STAMPEX 2021 - where is everybody?

I visited Stampex on the Saturday, October 2.

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There was a minimal queuing and the COVID-19 checks were thorough, well organised and efficient. Interestingly a minority of those in the hall were wearing masks.

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It was certainly quieter than I have usually seen it, although I have never been on a Saturday before. Numbers picked up during the morning and most of the dealers that I visited said that business had been

good. Some dealers were unhappy that there had been a meeting at the Royal Philatelic Society on Thursday afternoon and felt many visitors left at lunchtime to go to Abchurch Lane.

Although from memory there always has been a Royal Meeting of the Thursday and I have never heard it commented on before.

The British Design Centre was organised slightly differently to the usual with no stands on the ground floor but the first floor and the second-floor balconies were used.

Most of the regular dealers seemed to be there although some could not make it and others had changed position or had smaller stands. I saw some fascinating material, learnt a lot and met some old friends.

There did seem to be fewer exhibits than usual nonetheless many were of exceptional standard, in particular I enjoyed John Davies “Jubilee Reminiscence” on the philatelic history of the Great Britain 1890 Penny Postage Jubilee.

Hopefully things will continue to improve and that London 2022 will be a huge success. You can see how plans for that are progressing on their website:  London 2022 International Stamp Exhibition – International Stamp Exhibition

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CHRIS GEORGE