The Museum of Philatelic History
The Museum of Philatelic History at the Royal Philatelic Society London holds a collection of internationally significant objects. The collection of the Museum of Philatelic History started shortly after the Society’s inception in 1869 and has grown and expanded into the vast collection it is today. The collection covers these main areas:
Mission Statement To create and maintain a world-leading philatelic Museum whose activities assist with the Royal Philatelic Society London’s charitable aim of promoting education.
|
^ Click for more info |
Events
We will be opening our doors this September as part of Heritage Open Days. This will be your last opportunity to see the Society at No. 41 Devonshire Place as part of Heritage Open Days before we move to our new home in 2019. |
|
These tours are free, but booking is required, so please book by sending an email to museumarchives@rpsl.org.uk or calling 020 7486 1044, option 3. |
ResearchThe Museum holds an extensive collection of objects and archives relating to the history of philately. Appointments for the Research Room can be booked between the hours of 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, by emailing museumarchives@rpsl.org.uk. Further details on where to start, including details of our booking procedures and fees can be found here: Research Guidelines and Fees. |
Visiting usVisits are by appointment only. Appointments can be arranged with the Museum Curator between the hours of 9.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. Guided tours are available by appointment with the Museum Curator. There is a suggested minimum donation of £5 each. For larger groups (10+) the charge is £7 each. Appointments cannot be booked on the same day as a Society meeting.
No. 41 Devonshire Place |
Display
The permanent Museum display is located in the basement of the building. If the item you wish to view is not on display, please contact the Museum Curator who will organise an appointment in the Museum store. ![]()
Jean de Sperati hand press on show in the permanent display, |
Volunteer with usThe Museum relies on the work and support of volunteers to help us in achieving our charitable aims. If you are interested in volunteering, please click here for information on specific projects or email the Curator at museumarchives@rpsl.org.uk. |
Online Audio Tour AppDo you want to discover more of our objects online? Click on this logo for an audio-described tour of our collection: Using this iZi Travel app for The Museum of Philatelic History, you can learn about Jean de Sperati, the famous forger, or Miss Adelaide Fenton, one of the first female members to join the Society, or find out about the complex process of lithographic printing. The App was developed in partnership with U3A Volunteers over the course of three months. |
Donations and loans
The Museum is always interested in donations to enrich its collection. If you would like to make a donation, or wish to discuss an ongoing donation, please contact the Curator.
The Museum benefits greatly from financial donations which enables greater quantities of the collection to be digitized and conserved. If you would like to make a financial donation to the Museum, please contact the Curator.
The Museum is happy to consider the loaning of material for exhibition, education or research purposes. For further information, click View Loans Policy otherwise please contact the Curator to discuss your needs further.
The Royal Philatelic Society London
41 Devonshire Place London W1G 6JY
020 7486 1044 (Option 3)
Email: museumarchives@rpsl.org.uk
The Museum of Philatelic History is now on Facebook; Like us at @musphilhistory