This article is from the December issue of The American Philatelist.
In 1890 London held its first international stamp exhibition to mark the 50th anniversary of the introduction of Universal Penny Postage and the issue of the world’s first adhesive postage stamp, the Penny Black. Beginning in 1950, a tradition was established that London would host an exhibition with worldwide participation in years ending with “0” (an exhibition was planned for 1940, but was aborted by the Second World War, although a smaller event was staged).
Since 1950, various venues have been used: the Grosvenor Park Hotel in 1950; the Royal Festival Hall on London’s famous South Bank in 1960; Olympia in 1970; Earls Court in 1980 and 2000 (sadly no more an exhibition venue); and Alexandra Palace in north London in 1990. The exhibitions were for a time financially assisted by Royal Mail, notably by the premium added to miniature sheets issued to promote the events in 1980 and 1990, while Royal Mail organized the exhibition in 2000. However, as we know, such help from the “home” postal administration is increasingly a thing of the past.
For reasons that all can fully appreciate, the event planned for 2020 could not be held. The good news is that London 2022 will take place at the Business Design Centre on February 19 to 26 next year (2022). The Business Design Centre is one of London’s foremost exhibition venues. It began life as a venue for agricultural shows and has hosted many famous events in the British calendar, such as the Royal Smithfield Show, the Royal Tournament and Cruft’s Dog Show. During the Second World War it became a sorting facility for Royal Mail, but after was left empty. Then, in 1986, it entered a new phase of life as an exhibition centre, while providing showrooms and outlets for many small businesses.
The Business Design Centre has been used as the venue for Britain’s national stamp exhibition, Stampex, since 1996. However, Stampex only uses part of the available space. The entire complex was thus chosen as the venue for a London “international” in 2010, and again in 2015, and will prove ideal for London 2022. As with most stamp exhibitions, London 2022 will provide a mixture of dealers and exhibits – but so much more.
Frank Walton, seen on the left, receives the FIP flag denoting that London will host the next FIP world stamp exhibition.
Booths and displays
There will be around 125 booth holders from around the world with stamp dealers, auctioneers, publishers and postal administrations including Royal Mail. All collectors will find something of interest, whether it is stamps or postal history, thematics or Cinderellas, stationery or revenues, plus the opportunity to buy literature and accessories.
There can be no doubt that Royal Mail will have available items linked to the exhibition, but as yet no details have been provided. For London 2020 Royal Mail planned to issue miniature sheets and a Smilers sheet and publicized the event through a retail stamp booklet that was issued on March 10, 2020.
The competitive displays will be equally international, providing the cream from the world’s top collections. These will be on display in the second hall. There is always a huge demand to exhibit at a London international, and many potential exhibits have to be declined. Even so, to ensure as many exhibits are shown as possible, the exhibition will be divided into two halves. Half of the exhibits will be shown during the first half of the week, with the remaining displays shown during the rest of the week. The exhibits will range across recognized classes, namely Traditional, Postal History, Aerophilately, Revenues, Postal Stationery, Thematics, Picture Postcards, plus Open Philately, Modern Material and One-frame, in addition to an extensive array of philatelic literature. There will also be exhibits from young collectors up to the age of 21.
The exhibition is being held under the patronage of FIP, the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie. This, of course, means that exhibitors know their awards will be taken into account for future FIP exhibitions. It’s daunting to recall that the most recent FIP exhibition was China 2019 held in Wuhan from June 11 to 17 of that year. At the closing of the event the FIP flag was passed to Frank Walton, chairman of the London exhibition, as the next FIP patronage international to be held.
Among the booth holders will be The Royal Philatelic Society London. In addition, many specialist societies will have a table in one of the large meeting rooms on Wednesday, February 23. Societies will also hold meetings throughout the exhibition using the available meeting rooms.
Details about the booth holders, exhibits and society events can be found by visiting www.london2022.co.
A view of London 2010, the first international stamp exhibition held at the Business Design Centre.
Organization
As with all major events, not least stamp exhibitions, planning for London 2020, now London 2022, began many years ago. We have built up valuable expertise from staging a major “international” at least every ten years, and this is very much captured by the current team of volunteers, the Organising Committee. It is essential that the “old stagers” pass on their knowledge to those who will be the organizers of the future, so “new blood” is encouraged among the organizers. Each has a key part to play, whether it be knowledge of the trade, of collectors and their exhibits, securing a team of expert judges, security throughout the venue, construction, booking hotel accommodation, publicity, arranging sponsorship, or supervising those who will be needed “on the ground” throughout the event. The key aspect is that virtually all who help, in whatever capacity, will do so voluntarily.
One fact cannot be denied: except when the host Post Office provides financial assistance, all stamp exhibitions work on a very tight budget. Without the many hours of work that the volunteers provide and the support of sponsors, these events simply would not take place. It was therefore a devastating blow to the organizers of London 2020 when the planned event in May 2020 simply could not go ahead. We all know the reasons why, but it does not help when so much time and effort has gone into planning, only for it all to be put on hold. Naturally, expenditure were incurred that will never be recovered. Fortuitously a new date was immediately set for February 2022: as the situation worldwide has materialized, any earlier revised date would not have been practicable. Fortunately many are supporting the exhibition by becoming Sponsors, Patrons or Supporters: to find out more about how you might help, visit www.london2022.co and click on “Supporters.”
As the days and weeks pass, international travel is becoming easier and the prospect of coming to London becomes more real. Those planning a visit must check on the requirements for entry to the United Kingdom, and of course the return home. Of one thing, all can be assured: the organizers of London 2022 will ensure that all arrangements will run as smoothly as possible, and the safety and well-being of all will be paramount.
In anticipation of London 2020, Royal Mail issued a stamp booklet publicizing the event – now to be London 2022 on February 19 to 26.
Much to enjoy
The area around the Business Design Centre is full of fine eating establishments and other shops. Its excellent transport links (with buses and the Angel Underground Station nearby) provide easy connections with all parts of London, making for a perfect holiday. Restaurants are open once again and are offering a warm welcome to all. The famous theatres of London are re-opening with a range of productions to suit all tastes. There are also many, many museums and art galleries in London. Plus, never forget, the stay need not be confined to London – all parts of Great Britain have much to offer.
Those wishing to stay in London can take advantage of the special arrangements that have been made with HotelSmart to secure the best deals at convenient hotels. Go to www.london2022.co and click on “Visits/Hotels” to find out more.
See you next February at London 2022.
About the Author
Richard West has been involved with international stamp exhibitions held in London for over 50 years. Starting with Philympia in 1970, he has dealt with the publicity for seven such exhibitions.