CROWN & CYPHER
The Golden Age of British Philately (1840 - 1936)
Welcome to the 81st Royal Philex. We are honoured to present "Crown & Cypher," an exhibition that chronicles the revolutionary first century of the British postage stamp. This collection offers a journey through an era of profound social change, technological innovation, and artistic evolution, all encapsulated on these miniature masterpieces.
Crown & Cypher: Tracing a Century of British Stamps, 1840–1936
Our story begins in 1840 with the birth of the world's first adhesive postage stamp: the iconic Penny Black. Alongside the Two Penny Blue and the ill-fated Mulready stationery, these issues democratized communication and laid the foundation for a global postal system. Follow the long reign of Queen Victoria through the steadfast Penny Red, the workhorse of the empire, and witness the drive for security through evolving perforations and lettering. A remarkable transition then occurs within the exhibit. While these foundational stamps are shown as key postal artifacts, every subsequent issue on display, beginning with the vibrant, bi-coloured "Jubilee" issue of 1887, is presented in pristine, mint condition, allowing the engraver's art to be appreciated as originally intended. The dawn of the 20th century brought King Edward VII, and his elegant definitive and high-value stamps continue this showcase of perfectly preserved, mint examples.
Finally, the exhibit delves into the complex reign of King George V, with every stamp representing the pinnacle of mint preservation. We trace the evolution of his definitives, from the 1911 "Downey Head" to the "Royal Cypher" and "Block Cypher" issues. This era also marks the issuance of Great Britain’s first commemorative stamps, the magnificent "Wembley Lions" of 1924, and the iconic "Seahorses"—all displayed in their original, unblemished state. This collection is more than just a display of rare stamps; it is a tangible history of artistry, security, and the enduring power of the post. We invite you to explore this remarkable evolution, from a simple idea in 1840 to a sophisticated system that connected a nation and its empire
