Bidwell’s collection focused on the history of fire-making techniques and he was an acknowledged expert on the subject.

1922 - several items connected with firemaking sold from Bidwell's collection were purchased by Wellcome at auction.

1926 - Bidwell’s private collection was bought by Bryant and May, match manufacturers, who exhibited it in a gallery at their offices in Bow, East London.

1937 - Bryant & May lent the collection to the Science Museum, London