The British Library has pre-eminent world holdings of stamps, revenue stamps, postal history and related materials. The British Library Philatelic Collections are the National Philatelic Collections of the United Kingdom. The collections were established in 1891 with the bequest of the Tapling Collection, and now about 50 important collections or archives are held, all of which have been acquired by bequest, or transfer from Government departments. The total holdings consist of over eight million items, representing almost all countries and periods.
Richard Morel, curator of the British Library’s Philatelic Collections, discusses his professional background and the British Library’s Philatelic Collections, including its history, the collections’ holdings, its use by researchers, collection highlights, curation challenges, and the collections’ future. Richard will showcase some of the special items in the collection and the story around the importance of the collection.
Learn more:
- British Library Blog, Monarchs enthroned: ceremonial iconography and coronations
- British Library Blog, Tales from the Philatelic Crypt: The ‘Haunted Canada’ Postage Stamp Series
- American Philatelic Society, APS YouTube Playlist Takeover: Richard Morel, PhD, British Library
Please note this webinar is not being recorded.