George V Commemorative Stamp Issues
The purpose of this exhibit is to show the commemorative stamps issued in Britain during the reign of George V. Included are the reasons for their issue, pre-production material, the production process, various fonnats of the stamp issues, varieties and examples of stamp usage.
Eighty years after the introduction of the adhesive postage stamp in 1840 the only Commemorative item that had been issued by the British Post Office was a commemorative envelope to celebrate the first 50 years of the Penny Post in 1890. King George V, a keen philatelist, did not approve of commemorative issues considering them to be "too American". However three events were celebrated during his reign with Commemorative Stamp Issues: the British Empire Exhibition of 1924/5, the Postal Union Congress in 1929 and the King’s Silver Jubilee in 1935. All the time the King kept a watchful eye on the stamp production making sure that the basic designs should have His Head, the value, and purpose (postage and revenue) clearly shown.
The reign of George V saw many advances in the production and issue of postage stamps. There were developments in printing techniques, changes in booklet design, and use of vending machines. Advances in transportation by land, sea and air encouraged the greater use of the Postal Services.
"Only known items" are matted in blue.
Purpose and Introduction - page 1
British Empire Exhibition - pages 2-24
Postal Union Congress - pages 25-56
Silver Jubilee - pages 57-79
Summary - page 80