Stuart Rossiter Trust postal history seminar in London in September

Jun 24, 2025, 12 PM

Philatelic Foreword by Jay Bigalke

One of the pleasures of our hobby is that it never stands still. And if you’re lucky enough to be in London this September, you’ll be able to witness that firsthand.

On Wednesday, Sept. 24 the Stuart Rossiter Trust will host a day-long postal history seminar at the Royal Philatelic Society London, bringing together some of the most influential minds in this philatelic field. This isn’t your typical lecture circuit. It is a day designed to challenge assumptions and provoke fresh ideas about postal history.

The Rossiter Trust is a charitable organization that supports research and publication related to the history of communication through postal systems worldwide.

With a cleverly curated program titled with topics for consideration like “Was the most important event in postal history the invention of the postage stamp?” and “Must postal history have a stop?,” this seminar promises discussion well beyond postal rates and markings. Whether you’re a traditional collector or drawn to the evolving areas of open philately, there will be something here to ignite your interest.

The roster of speakers includes James Grimwood-Taylor, whose depth of scholarship is exemplified in his two-volume publication International Postal Reforms; Douglas Muir, the long-serving former senior curator of philately at the Postal Museum; and Birthe King, a champion of incorporating ephemera and narrative into exhibits. They’re joined by Theo Brauers, Nigel Gooch and Wolfgang Maassen — each bringing a distinctive lens and a body of work to the seminar.

The Rossiter Trust has quietly become a cornerstone for serious philatelic research, with an impressive number of endeavors: 52 books published, 29 research projects funded, and 25 lectures hosted. But perhaps its greatest contribution is creating forums like this one — where debate and dialogue fuel the future of philately.

Attendance is free, but space is limited. Email srtcorr@gmail.com to reserve your seat. Doors open with coffee at 10:30 a.m., and the seminar will run from 11:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

This seminar is a must for those who believe philately is not just about collecting but also about questioning, discovering and sharing.

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