The Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague is hosting an exhibit of Matchbox toys from the ‘40s and ‘50s through April 1st.

With their phenomenal success dating from the 1950s, Matchbox toys have been enjoyed by several generations of children and adults. Matchbox received its first wide recognition for the miniaturized version of a coronation coach that sold over one million pieces in 1953. The Matchbox brand became noted for its packaging of small models into match-sized boxes.

Interestingly, the design was inspired by the Norvic box produced by Czechoslovakia’s SOLO Sušice match manufacturer. The Matchbox 1—75 series was soon followed by other product lines that innovated and varied the vehicles’ designs. These models were extremely popular in Czechoslovakia due to their precise recreation of the originals down to the smallest details, as well as their functionality, durability and bright colors.

The exhibition presents almost 1,500 models ranging from the first toys manufactured in the late ‘40s and early ‘50s to recently-made vintage models.

RELATED WEBSITE: http://www.upm.cz