BPMA and Royal Philatelic Collection to collaborate on exhibition at the Guildhall Art Gallery in 2010

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As part of the London 2010: Festival of Stamps, The British Postal Museum & Archive (BPMA) and the Royal Philatelic Collection are working in partnership with the Guildhall Art Gallery to produce the exhibition Empire Mail: George V & The GPO.


Image of unadopted Silver Jubilee Stamp Artwork, 1934

This unique exhibition will explore the reign of King George V and will be open from 7 May to 25 July 2010 at the Guildhall Art Gallery. 

An era of conflict and great change, the reign of George V spanned from 1910 to 1936. The reign saw the development of a number of communication methods which brought the world closer together.

Empire Mail: George V & The GPO will feature:

  • posters
  • vehicles
  • pillar boxes
  • philatelic rarities, and
  • gems from the GPO Film Unit

It will explore themes from the King’s reign such as innovations in mail transportation, the first Atlantic air crossing, the rise of graphic design in the 1920s and 1930s and war-time memorabilia. 

The items on display will comprise a unique collection sourced from the treasures of the BPMA and the Royal Philatelic Collection, including a display of exquisite stamps and stamp artwork.

The Royal Philatelic Collection was started in the nineteenth century by Royal stamp enthusiasts and its present structure – which includes a large amount of material rarely seen in public – was the creation of King George V, a keen stamp collector, and his adviser Sir Edward Bacon.

This exhibition is just one of a number of events happening across the capital as part of the London 2010: Festival of Stamps. London 2010: Festival of Stamps is a year-long programme of exhibitions, events and activities marking the centenary of the accession of George V, the philatelist king.

Key events include a major international stamp exhibition at the Business Design Centre in Islington and partner exhibitions taking place at The British Museum, the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew and a number of other locations in partnership with the Association of British Philatelic Societies. 

Find out more about the London 2010: Festival of Stamps.

See full Exhibition at the Guildhall Art Gallery in 2010 press release.


Image of twopence stamp of Mauritius, 1847  Image of original sketch of seahorses stamp design, 1910

Images reproduced by gracious permission of Her Majesty The Queen to whom copyright belongs


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