History of the Museum at The Royal Philatelic Society London
What is the RPSL
The Royal Philatelic Society London (“The Royal”) is the pre-eminent meeting place for the world’s philatelists, being the world’s oldest and largest philatelic society. It has a large museum which shows both philately’s development as well as its own story from its founding in 1869 to today. The vast range of artefacts in the museum are reflected in the various topics highlighted below. The museum is always keen to acquire artefacts reflecting former member’s participation in the life of the Royal as well as items illustrating how individual philatelists pursued their hobby.
The Royal was founded in 1869 by a small group of friends, and today philately is still both a social activity and a private study. A timeline history of the RPSL is available here.
The First Meeting
Joseph Speranza’s Diary – Saturday 10th April 1869
On 10th April 1869, a small group of well-to-do amateur stamp collectors met at 93 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, the residence of stamp dealer Mr John C. Wilson. It was at this meeting that they decided to establish The Philatelic Society, London with the aim of promoting research and increasing awareness of philately, preventing forgeries and helping with the trade and exchange of postage stamps amongst its members.
Sadly, the official minutes of this meeting have long been lost. The only record in existence is this entry from the personal diary of one of the eight attendees of that first meeting: Joseph Speranza, Lieutenant in the Royal Malta Fencibles Artillery. Others present at the meeting were: Sir Daniel Cooper Bart., late Member of the Legislative Council of New South Wales; Judge Frederick Adolphus Philbrick Q.C., a barrister; P. Furse, Deputy Assistant Commissary General; Dr Charles William Viner, then editor of The Stamp Collector’s Magazine and later The Philatelist; Thomas F. Erskine; William Dudley Atlee, stamp dealer and publisher of Stamp Circular and W. E. Hayns.
Transcript of the entry for 10th April 1869
“VISIT TO LONDON. MEETING & ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PHILATELIC SOCIETY.
DINNER WITH THE FURSES & MACDONALDS.
Then called at the R.A. Institution and afterwards left by the 11.55 Train from Woolwich Arsenal for London – At Charing Cross met Furse, who was waiting for me.
Took a cab & drove to Chelsea Barracks where he inspected the Meat & Bread – Then walked to his house No. 127, St. George’s Road Warwick Square where had lunch with Mrs. Furse, Mrs. & the Misses Macdonald. After lunch had a chat with Furse about Stamps then at 3 P.M. walked with him to the Victoria Station, took a Buss and landed at Great Russell Street W.C.
Walked to No. 93 Wilson’s rooms and there met Sir D. Cooper, Mr D. Atlee, Dr Viner, Mr Philbrick, Mr Erskine, Mr Haines. – Sir D. Cooper took the chair and we proceeded to lay the rules and frame the codes of the “Philatelic Society” and elect the Officers – The proceedings will be published next month in the Philatelist & S. C. Magazine – The annual Subscription was fixed to 6/- which was paid in advance by each of us. – At 6 P.M. the meeting broke up.”
Early Members
Sir Daniel Cooper
1 July 1821 – 5 June 1902: Founder Member 1869 aged 48
After a successful commercial career and distinguished political service in Australia, Cooper returned to England in 1861.
He was a founder and the first President (1869 – 78) of the Society.
His Australian postage stamps, sold to Judge Frederick Philbrick in 1878 for £3000 (the first four-figure price for a collection), became part of Ferrary’s celebrated collection
Sir Daniel Cooper
1 July 1821 – 5 June 1902: Founder Member 1869 aged 48
After a successful commercial career and distinguished political service in Australia, Cooper returned to England in 1861.
He was a founder and the first President (1869 – 78) of the Society.
His Australian postage stamps, sold to Judge Frederick Philbrick in 1878 for £3000 (the first four-figure price for a collection), became part of Ferrary’s celebrated collection
Charles William Viner
c. 1812 – 14 March 1906
Viner was one of the pioneering collectors, having started in 1860. He was Honorary Secretary of The Philatelic Society, London from 1871 until 1874. He was Editor of The Stamp Collector’s Magazine from its inception in 1863.
In 1865 he edited the first Oppens Postage Stamp Album, and continued in this capacity for the following twenty-three editions. Editor of The Philatelist between 1867 and 1876.
Dr Viner was one of the original members of The Philatelic Society, London and was present at the initial meeting on 10 April 1869. His house at 34 Denbigh Street, Pimlico, was often used as a Society meeting place between 1872 and 1876.
