Plan to turn Fifer’s huge camera collection into museum

Jim Matthew planned to open a museum in St Monans to show off the 3000+ cameras he had collected throughout his life, but, when he died in late 2017, it seemed that dream had died with him.

What Jim could not have known was that, two years prior, a conversation with a passing tourist could lead to that museum opening.

“I noticed this door was open outside this warehouse,” explained film-maker Ally Kearney. “I ended up speaking to Jim for around an hour.

“I went back to do a story in 2018 and found out that he had died. I left a note under the door and ended up chatting to his wife, and it went from there.”

Jim purchased the first camera for his collection while visiting his daughter in Canada. One thing led to another, and soon he had amassed more than 3000, close to the world record. He hoped to open a museum, however, red tape and ailing health meant the plans never came to fruition.

But when Ally discovered that Jim’s family was moving to Canada, and the collection could be broken up, he started working with a group of locals to save it and open the museum. The Jim Matthew Camera Collection Trust is looking to raise £30,000 to purchase a hall in the East Neuk village and carry out the restoration work needed to turn it into a museum. The building could be used for events and activities in the local area.

To learn more about the project, search for ‘Alasdair Kearney’ on YouTube. To make a donation, visit www.gofundme.com/f/jimmatthewcameracollection.