2023 saw the third iteration of the Philatelic Traders’ Society’s (PTS) Virtual STAMPEX. In Part 1 of my review, I provided an reflection on the features offered in this event.
In Part 2, I wanted to review the Auditorium presentations I attended. I have listed them in the order they appeared. All auditorium presentations are available for viewing during the ‘on demand’ period from 7 May 2023 to 7 June 2023 HERE.
I will also write a Part 3 on the Roundtable talks (since this is a little long!).
AuditorIum
In Her Own Words: The Postage Stamps of Jennifer Toombs
My Rating: * * * *
In this presentation, Richard Scott Morel from the British Library presented In Her Own Words: The Postage Stamps of Jennifer Toombs.
Jennifer Toombs was a prolific stamp designer. For me, she designed stamps for both Malawi and Bahamas in the period I collect (1960s-1970s). Richard presented a unique selection of concept art and designs while talking through some of Jennifer’s correspondence and other material now in the British Library’s collection.
At times, the talk got a little bogged down in too much detail, and as Richard was reading through most of the talk, it became a little disengaging. However, I still found it fascinating and a delight to learn more about this designer.
The Social Philatelist’s Approach to Collecting Postal History
My Rating: * * * * ½
In this presentation, Peter Congreve of Stampden presented The Social Philatelist’s Approach to Collecting Postal History. There were three parts to his presentation.
Often, especially in newer or emerging collectors, we see them rushing towards a pair of scissors to cut the stamp off an envelope. However, we often need to see beyond the stamp and consider all the information provided on the document before we go cutting. Peter gave us insight into a rather ordinary cover with an extraordinary story full of murder and intrigue! He demonstrated how an item could fit into a greater social historical perspective.
His second part provided an insight into his ornithological collection.
The third section dealt with slogan cancels. This is one area of philately that I have seen grow in interest over the last few years. Often dates of use are not recorded or they are simply over looked as being ‘common.’ So it was great to see a presentation on them. Again, Peter connected Australian slogans with what was happening in Australia at the time.
The only negative was I feel these could have been three separate presentation as they were quite detailed and deserved their own space. Overall I really enjoyed this presentation and I think the messages were extremely important to educate collectors on looking ‘beyond the stamp.’
The Future of Philately
My Rating: * ½
The Future of Philately was a panel discussion that featured Bill Hedley (FIPA), Jack Preuveneers (International Philatelic Promoters), Tom Droege (Stamp Auction Network) and hosted by Tony Bard Editor of The London Philatelist.
To be honest, as soon as one of the these talks introduces someone who doesn’t understand technology, I kinda turn off – “Artificial intelligence, whatever that is...” I also found some negative language – such as that online activities are ‘invading‘ philately or that those collectors who are comfortable engaging online are somehow ‘anti-social.’ Why, oh why?!
It got even worse when one of the panellists tried to explain that people don’t understand the meaning of philately but failed to provide the actual definition themselves. It was painful to watch.
Luckily, Jack Preuveneers was able to give a positive, contemporary perspective to how these collectors are progressing from beginner collector and onto the path of specialised collecting. Tom Droege also appeared more on the pulse with modern collectors, understanding the digital landscape.
As usual, I found the whole conversation to be how one should collect and somewhat of a disregard of how people are collecting.
Modernising Stamp Clubs & Societies
My Rating: * * * * *
Todd Gantzer of the Greater Boston Philatelic Society (GBPS) presented Modernising Stamp Clubs & Societies.
Back in 2020, just before the pandemic hit the world, I presented to the American Philatelic Society, The Future of Philately is Here. So it was great to see a follow-up piece by a society who embraced the suggested changes.
The GBPS have emerged as a ‘phoenix society’ from what can only be described as idiotic leadership of the Boston Philatelic Society (and I mean that!). From the ashes, Todd has created a society that has established a modern action plan to ensure its second life and making its mark in the philatelic world.
Todd describes what leads a club or society to its death bed and the critical elements now required to be visible and relevant in a busy philatelic landscape. As we are seeing societies modernising and increasing membership by doing so, this presentation is highly relevant.
This is essential viewing for everyone.
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Thanks for the reviews – agree with you about the value of the Modernizing Stamp Clubs & Societies session. Greater Boston seems to be in the right path, one that I’d like to emulate with our Society.
Feel free to reach out to Todd – he is more than happy to provide advice and guidance! 🙂