A Flock of His Own: Meet DCUK’s Ultimate Super-Fan
Introducing DCUK’s Ultimate Collector: Steve Young
Naturally, we grow very fond of our hand-crafted characters. Our greatest hope is that someone will love them as much as we do! That’s why hearing from collectors like Steve means the world to us. With what’s believed to be the world’s largest privately owned DCUK collection, his home has become a true duck haven.
Recently, we caught up with Steve to learn more about his epic collection. From the first duck that caught his eye to his dream of a DCUK museum, Steve’s passion is truly one of a kind, just like the characters who call his house their home.
From Ducklet to devotee
Steve’s first DCUK duck was a Natural Ducklet, one of our very first designs and still a firm favourite. Steve recalls the moment his collection began: ”I started collecting DCUK ducks about 15 years ago. I noticed a duck in a shop window that I really liked. I went in and asked if it was for sale. They said, ‘Yes, they are all hand-carved, painted, and made in Indonesia.’ This made me so happy, knowing each one is unique. I loved the duck and had to buy it straight away. From that day onwards, I have liked all the designs and continued to collect them.”
Waddling into the record books
Steve displays his collection in family groups with special areas dedicated to groups such as Christmas characters, Penguins, and Dinky Ducks. With hanging duck decorations, Garden Birds in nesting boxes and even a DCUK clock, it’s fair to say the ducks rule the roost! “I have well over a thousand ducks,” Steve says. “My dream would be to have a DCUK shop and a museum to display them all in, allowing people to visit. I never thought I would ever have the largest collection of DCUK characters in the world. I’m so happy. I’m thinking of applying for the Guinness World Records.”
Cherished memories
We were particularly touched to hear about the characters with special meaning for Steve. “I have bought a footballer duck for my nephew for his birthday, as he loves football, and I bought my mum and dad a set of puffins. But, the duck that means the most to me is the Conker Hat Duck. My mum and dad bought it for me as a present just before my mum passed away. It holds so many memories of my mum.” When asked if there are any DCUK characters on his wishlist, Steve said, “The dream would be ducks with animal hats and boots or maybe different animals like rabbits.” Watch this space!
What makes DCUK so special?
Steve’s collection ranges from flamboyant Flamingos to timid Hedglets, and it has been a particular joy for the team at DCUK HQ to see some long-lost friends (any other DCUK Frogs / Pigs out there?!). Our mission has always been to make people smile, so when we asked Steve what makes DCUK stand out, we couldn’t have been happier to share his thoughts with us: “They are all hand made, hand painted and every one is different. There’s never two the same and the quality of the products is really good and they all make you smile.”
Share your story
To say that stories like Steve’s make our day would be a huge understatement, so we’ve set up a dedicated inbox [email protected].
So whether you have one very special duck who waddled into your heart or a few more, we’d love to hear what DCUK means to you.
Please send your photos and stories to [email protected].