Blog

Enter the world of The Postal Museum!

Filter our stories:

Curious stories, personal passions and behind-the-scenes exclusives await in our museum blog:

- blog
- 05 December 2018
Santa’s Little Helpers

Archivist Helen explores the Post Office's role in helping Santa reply to letters from children across the nation.

Archive & Collections
- blog
- 28 November 2018
Wallace & Gromit Christmas Stamps

Take a peek at the items behind our new stamp artwork display with Assistant Curator Georgina.

Stamps
- blog
- 22 November 2018
Postal Dogs…Part 1

Curator Jessica explores the museum collection and archive researching the Postal Service’s use of dogs in the past…

Archive & Collections
- blog
- 05 November 2018
The End of the War

2018 marks the centenary of the end of WWI. From poppies to poetry, Assistant Curator Georgina picks her favourite commemorative stamp designs.

Stamps
- blog
- 24 October 2018
Ghost Trains

Are there ghosts in Mail Rail? Archivist Helen discovered an article in the 1928 Post Office magazine that talks 'Underground Wizardry'.

Archive & Collections

Mail Rail
- blog
- 23 October 2018
Stonehenge on stamps

It's been 100 years since Stonehenge was left to the nation. Assistant Curator Georgina explores some wonderful designs of this world famous monument.

Stamps
- blog
- 09 October 2018
Pirates Ahoy

Don’t be a pirate, buy a licence! Archivist Helen explores records of a pirate radio station and the Post Office's involvement.

Archive & Collections

Design

Post Office
- blog
- 04 October 2018
The centenary of the sinking of RMS Leinster

The mailboat RMS Leinster was sunk after being torpedoed by a German U-boat. Senior Archivist Gavin tells the unfolding story of the 1918 disaster.

Archive & Collections
- blog
- 03 October 2018
The Future is Square

This month marks the 50th anniversary of the F-type pillar box designed and developed by David Mellor.

Archive & Collections

Design
- blog
- 27 September 2018
Edna Welthorpe Letters

Read extracts from the hilarious letters of complaint sent by Mrs. Edna Welthorpe – a pseudonym of controversial 60s playwright Joe Orton.

Human Stories
- blog
- 18 September 2018
The Post Office Cats 150

150 years ago cats were first officially appointed by the Post Office. Senior Archivist Gavin reveals some early correspondence.

Archive & Collections

Post Office
- blog
- 12 September 2018
First or second class?

50 years ago stamp classes were introduced by the Postal Office. Volunteer Cyril has first-class details of this new system.

Stamps
- blog
- 05 September 2018
Cats on Stamps

How have felines infiltrated our postage stamps? Assistant Curator Georgina tells us more...

Stamps
- blog
- 14 August 2018
Letters from the Past

Love, war and friendship. Student Francesco gives us a unique glimpse into people's lives through their letters.

Archive & Collections

Behind the Scenes

Human Stories
- blog
- 08 August 2018
John Palmer & Mail Coach

Assistant Curator Georgina tells the story of the founding father of the British system of mail coaches.

Archive & Collections

Stamps
- blog
- 25 July 2018
Dad’s Army

"Who do you think you are kidding Mr Hitler...." Take a look at stamps commemorating 50 years of the iconic sitcom Dad's Army.

Archive & Collections

Stamps
- blog
- 18 July 2018
Tomorrow’s History

Technology is changing faster than ever. Archivist Helen looks at how we store and share our records now and then.

Archive & Collections

Behind the Scenes
- blog
- 05 July 2018
The Seaside

Glorious sunshine! Assistant Curator Georgina looks at stamp designs featuring the best of the seaside.

Stamps
- blog
- 12 June 2018
FIFA World Cup Russia

Football has featured on stamps throughout the years for past World Cups. Assistant Curator Georgina shares her favourites.

Design

Stamps
- blog
- 04 June 2018
Slogan Postmarks

To mark the centenary of slogan postmarks, volunteer Cyril searched through our collections for these printed messages.

Archive & Collections

Post Office