Many kinds of ephemera are used in the running of a business. This range is reflected in 50 items of ephemera from the Auckland men's outfitters Geo. Fowlds Ltd (known also as The Firm of Fowlds) which have been added to the Auckland City Libraries' Ephemera collection.
Some ephemera, such as blank reciept forms, envelopes, and display ticket and price tags, seen here, had a practical function.
Other items were promotional, such as stock catalogues and style guides used to advertise the services and goods provided by the business.
 
George Fowlds and the Firm of Fowlds
Scottish born George Fowlds (1860-1934) opened his first men's outfitters in Victoria Street, Auckland, in 1888. The second branch of his business was opened in Wellington in 1907.
However, the business went into liquidiation in 1930 was eventually absorbed by Hugh Wright's menswear company.
Aside from his business interests, Fowlds possessed a strong community spirit and was involved in many community organisation. He was also a Liberal Member of Parliament and, at one time, a Minister of Education.
More details about George Fowlds may be found online in the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. | 
