George VI stamps
Our collections contain all of the artwork (adopted and unadopted) and essays for the definitive and commemorative stamp issues of George VI’s reign.
Many commemoratives were issued during the reign of George VI, as well as commemorative postmarks for Princess Elizabeth's wedding and a special Channel Islands liberation stamp.
Of particular interest are three stamp issues which never came to fruition. The most important was a proposed issue for the union of France and Great Britain in 1940; this collapsed with the fall of France. In the collections is the entire history of designs and essays up to late June 1940.
Other proposed issues included Regional stamps and an issue for the birth of the King's first grandchild (Prince Charles).
We also hold artwork, essays, or proofs, and registration sheets for all stamps issued in sheets, books and rolls. There are also sheets of overprinted stamps for:
- Morocco Agencies
- Wartime occupations
- The Gulf after India became independent
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.
Definitives
We hold original artwork, metal dies, plates and proof sheets for various definitive issues from the reign of George VI.
Coronation
Following the abdication of King Edward VIII, the Post Office had just five months to prepare and issue coronation stamps for George VI.
Centenary of first adhesive Postage Stamps
Plans to mark the centenary of the Penny Black were abandoned when war broke out, but the Postmaster General later reconsidered.
Proposed Anglo-French issue
In the early days of the Second World War there were many calls for a joint stamp issue with France.
Proposed issue for the wedding of Princess Elizabeth
The Post Office felt the wedding of Princess Elizabeth was worthy of new stamps. But it also felt there was insufficient time to prepare an issue.
Royal Silver Wedding
The King and Queen's Royal Silver Wedding was marked by following criticism at the failure to issue stamps for the wedding of Princess Elizabeth.
Channel Islands Liberation
Following the liberation of the Channel Islands representatives from the islands pressed the Post Office for ways to rejuvenate their tourist trade.
Olympic Games
The Post Office could hardly refuse to issue stamps for the 1948 Olympic Games, as the precedent has been established by previous host nations.
Proposed issue for the Birth of the King's First Grandchild
The story of a proposed issue to celebrate the birth of King George VI's first grandchild (Prince Charles).
Universal Postal Union
The idea was put forward that all members of the Universal Postal Union should commemorate the organisation's 75th anniversary in 1949.
Festival of Britain
The plan to celebrate the centenary of the Great Exhibition of 1851 with a Festival was accompanied by a request for a new range of stamps.
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