Background
Great Britain's first commemorative stamps were issued on 23 April 1924 - this marked the first day of the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley.
This hugely ambitious exhibition was held as a celebration of the
Empire, to raise the country's spirits after the First World War, and
to promote trade and stengthen bonds with the colonies.
Large image (899 KB)
No commemorative stamps had been issued by the British Post Office
since the postal stationery to mark the Jubilee of the Penny Post in
1890. The idea of producing a commemorative stamped envelope and
postcard to mark the exhibition was proposed by the Post Office
Assistant Secretary in April 1923.
Large image (506.9 KB)
Sir Evelyn Murray, Secretary, suggested also producing an adhesive stamp, and this was taken up by the Director of Postal Services in a memo of 8 May 1923.
Online catalogue
Find the 1924 issue on our online catalogue
Find the 1925 issue on our online catalogue
