Stamps & Philately

This section gives an overview (and not an exhaustive account) of the philatelic and postal history material in our collections. These are managed by the BPMA as part of The Royal Mail Archive.

Most of the stamp and postal stationery collections are public records. This includes the R M Phillips collection and the collection of world stamps. The postal history items (with postal markings) have generally been acquired to illustrate the history of the posts. They are not public record.

Please note that the images in this section are not to scale. 

In our collection

Great British Stamps
This collection includes all things to do with British stamps from 1840 to the present day. It also includes stamps produced under the auspices of the British Post Office.

Universal Postal Union
We hold a collection of world stamps from the Universal Postal Union from 1874 until the present day.

Great British Postal Stationery
Like our British stamps, our collections of postal stationery dates from 1840 to the present day.

British Postal Markings
Our postal markings collections includes postal markings on letters and envelopes from 1661 to the present day. Famous collections include those of Frank Staff.

Access

The best way to see all our philatelic and postal history collections is by appointment with the Curator of Philately, Douglas Muir. To make an appointment, please call 020 7239 2570 or email info@postalheritage.org.uk.