The Spear Museum of Philatelic History at the RPSL
The Spear Museum of Philatelic History is an Accredited Museum in the heart of the City of London.
The Spear Museum of Philatelic History, which includes our Archives, is named to commemorate the extremely generous gift of £750,000 made to the Society by the Trustees of the Spear Charitable Trust.
Over the decades, the RPSL has acquired a large collection of artefacts and records that are currently housed in its Museum. The collections have high historic and monetary value and are a valuable resource for research on many aspects of philatelic development and exhibition. In keeping with its standing as a learned society with a worldwide reputation for excellence, the RPSL invests considerable resources on improving the conservation and preservation of the Museum collection.
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 Nicola Davies, Head of Collections at daviesn@rpsl.org.uk or by telephone: 0207 486 1044.
The Museum is happy to consider the loaning of material for exhibition, education or research purposes. For further information please contact us using the above details.
The collection of The Spear Museum of Philatelic History at The Royal Philatelic Society London, as an Arts Council England Accredited museum, collects material that falls under the following themes:
- RPSL History
This collection includes items associated with the RPSL and its members. It includes commemorative items, photographs, records, correspondence, minutes and items used in the day-to-day running of the Society. This part of the collection dates from the foundation of the Society to the present day. - Philatelic Organisations
Records include papers, photographs, and memorabilia related to philatelic organisations.
- Philatelic Collecting
This collection illustrates the method and practice of philately from the emergence of the activity to the present day. Items in the collection include the equipment used, such as magnifiers, perforation gauges, stamp hinges and tweezers.
- Philatelic Studies
This comprises specific studies, research notes, photographs and records on a variety of subjects, all with a philatelic connection. - Postal Services Accessories and Administrations
This collection includes objects used by postal services from around the world. The majority of items we currently hold were produced in Great Britain and designed for worldwide use.
- Philatelic Trade
Records related to the philatelic trade, including advertising, dealers and publishers. - Philatelic and Security Printing
The collection spans from the emergence and spread of philatelic and security printing to the present day. The Museum also holds the Perkins Bacon archive as well as prints from Waterlow & Sons Ltd, Grover technical drawings and De La Rue correspondence.
- Philatelic Exhibitions
The Museum holds a unique collection of commemorative items, exhibition medals, papers, photographs, videos and memorabilia from philatelic exhibitions. These date from the earliest philatelic exhibitions (in the late 19th century) to the present day.
Click this link to see an introduction to our collection about Philatelic Exhibitions.