Blog

Enter the world of The Postal Museum!

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

- 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
- blog
- 31 May 2018
Helicopter Mail

Join Senior Archivist Gavin as he investigates the first attempts to deliver mail by helicopter. Did the service take off?

Archive & Collections

Post Office
- blog
- 22 May 2018
Stamps That Never Were

Curator of Philately Stuart offers a rare glimpse at stamps that never quite made it for the public release.

Stamps
- blog
- 14 May 2018
Delivering Medical Care: Part 2

Archivist Helen is back with her second part of the blog that looks at nurses employed by the Post Office.

Archive & Collections
- blog
- 08 May 2018
Delivering Medical Care

In celebration of Nurses' Day Archivist Helen looks at historical records of nurses in the Post Office.

Archive & Collections
- blog
- 30 April 2018
Cartoons

Love cartoons? Assistant Curator Georgina shares her favourite fun cartoon designs that appeared on stamps. Take a look.

Archive & Collections

Design

Stamps
- blog
- 18 April 2018
Conservation of Letters

Meet our Conservator Barbara and find out what it takes to care for delicate objects from our collection.

Archive & Collections

Behind the Scenes
- blog
- 18 April 2018
National Tea Day

Tea glorious Tea! Assistant Curator Georgina talks nation's favourite drink appearing on stamps and even under the sea.

Stamps
- blog
- 11 April 2018
Under the Sea

Whales, crabs, octopus or even submarines. Assistant Curator Georgina shows you her favourite underwater stamp designs.

Stamps