Philatelic exhibition

A philatelic exhibition is an exhibition of stamps and postal history where stamp collectors (philatelists) compete for medals. The displays are shown in glass frames, and the exhibition is normally accompanied by stamp dealer bourses and post office stands where stamps and other philatelic items may be purchased.

The London Stampex show is held each Spring and Autumn
The souvenir sheet for the London International Stamp Exhibition 1950
A souvenir stamp from a 1923 stamp exhibition

Many philatelic exhibitions are regular events, held annually or at some other frequency and they are important events in the philatelic calendar.[1]

Types of exhibition

Exhibitions are normally of international, national, regional or local scope. They may also be for specific collecting interests, for instance the Eurothema exhibition for thematic collecting.

The most prestigious international exhibitions are those for which Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP) patronage is granted, although the increasing cost of complying with FIP requirements has caused concern with some exhibition organisers, particularly in the developing world.[2]

Classes of exhibit

Exhibits are shown in different classes. Normally the classes are similar to those of the FIP Commissions:[3]

Not all classes are shown at every exhibition as exhibits and jurors may not be available. In addition, exhibitions not endorsed by FIP may have different classes.

Judging

Philatelic judging is done according to agreed criteria,[4] and in the case of international exhibitions the rules of the FIP are normally used. Judges need to be accredited by the FIP in order to be qualified to judge at FIP endorsed exhibitions.

Judging is a skill in its own right for which training is required.

Prizes

The judges award a variety of prizes, including gold, silver and vermeil medals and other prizes as determined by the exhibition officials.

Souvenirs

It is common for commemorative covers and souvenir sheets to be produced for the larger exhibitions and these are a recognised collecting specialism in themselves.

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See also
  • List of philatelic exhibitions (by country)

References
  1. "National Philatelic Exhibitions of Washington DC". Napex. Retrieved 2009-05-16.
  2. "Philately In Transition In India". Stampsofindia.com. 2002-10-31. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2016-02-04.
  3. "F.I.P. - Fédération Internationale de Philatélie". F-i-p.ch. Retrieved 2016-02-04.
  4. Guidelines for the Preparation of Philatelic Displays and Competitive Exhibits by Mark Bailey. Wokingham & District Philatelic Society, 22 June 2011. Retrieved 27 June 2011.

Further reading
  • DeVoss, James T. Federation Internationale de Philatelie Awards List. State College, Pa.: J.T. DeVoss, 1980-1990 14 editions
  • Grough, James Peter. The Ever-Changing Paradigm of Philatelic Exhibiting. Malmo: Postiljonen AB, 2012 58p.
  • Odenweller, Robert P. The F.I.P. Guide to Exhibiting and Judging Traditional and Postal History Exhibits. Zurich: Federation Internationale de Philatelie, 1993
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