Philatelic Exhibition

France: 1853-61 1 franc carmine
tête-bêche pair unused.
The Tapling Collection.

There is a permanent exhibition area for the Philatelic Collections on the upper ground floor, where members of the public can see some of the world's rarest and most significant stamps.

Approximately 80,000 items may be seen, contained in 1000 display frames. This forms probably the best permanent display of diverse classic stamps and philatelic material in the world.

Jamaica: 1956-58 £1 chocolate and violet,
prepared for use but unissued.
The Crown Agents Collection..

Currently on exhibition are:

• The Tapling Collection World to 1890; exhibited are countries M to Z on 2400 pages (countries A to L are available to researchers by appointment).
• The Mosely Collection of British Africa to 1935.
• The Bojanowicz Collection of Poland 1939-46 stamps and postal history.
• The Model Collection of Germany 1945-46 local provisional stamps.
• The Harrison Collection of die proofs 1911-37, engraved by J.A.C. Harrison.
• The Davies Collection of Libyan revenue stamps 1955-69.
• The Fitz Gerald Collection of World Airmails to the 1930s (selected pages).
• The Bailey Collection of Spanish Civil War stamps and postal history 1936-39 (selected pages).
• The Turner Collection of Great Britain and Ireland Railway Letter Stamps 1891-1940 (selected pages).
• The Langmead Collection of Great Britain and Ireland Telegraph stamps, 1851-81.

See also the Philatelic Rarities in the Online Gallery: