Monthly Archives: February 2017
Topical opportunities at every philatelic corner
The 2007 Canadian Recording Artists set features (clockwise from top left) Gordon Lightfoot (Scott #2221a), Joni Mitchell (SC #2221b), Anne Murray (SC #2221c) and Paul Anka (SC #2221d).
There’s arguably never been a better time to be a topical exhibitor. As noted by CSN Consulting Editor Ian Robertson in his recent story on the Royal Mail’s unveiling of a 10-stamp issue featuring David Bowie, these kinds of stamps are popular around the world. “Commemoratives featuring entertainers are popular and several small countries have issued stamps featuring Bowie,” wrote Robertson, who’s also vice-president of the West Toronto Stamp Club. The 10-stamp set was unveiled Jan. 25, nearly a year after Bowie died following an 18-month battle with cancer. Although Royal Mail has previously honoured bands and groups – namely the Beatles in 2010 and Pink Floyd in 2015 – this is the first time the British postal service has dedicated an entire issue to an individual musician or cultural figure. Continue reading →
Topical stamps a great alternative collectible
“Topical collecting is so entertaining, artistically satisfying and versatile … it can be the panacea for most stamp ills such as sheer boredom, disgust, disinterest and disillusionment. “It can be taken very seriously as a major collecting interest with extensive research and planning, or it may be used as an entertaining and decorative sideline or supplement to a major specialty.” This colourful definition, from a Poughkeepsie, N.Y. 1960s club bulletin, quotes thematic collector James McMeen. This hobby has many forms, and as many similar and different hobbyists as you can imagine. Continue reading →