A philatelic exhibition is an exhibition of Philately and postal history where stamp collectors (philatelists) compete for medals. The displays are shown in glass frames, and the exhibition is normally accompanied by stamp dealer and post office stands where stamps and other philatelic items may be purchased.
Many philatelic exhibitions are regular events, held annually or at some other frequency and they are important events in the philatelic calendar.
Types of exhibition
Exhibitions are normally of international, national, regional or local scope. They may also be for specific collecting interests, for instance the
Eurothema exhibition for thematic collecting.
The most prestigious international exhibitions are those for which Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP) patronage is granted, although the increasing cost of complying with FIP requirements has caused concern with some exhibition organisers, particularly in the developing world.
Classes of exhibit
Exhibits are shown in different classes. Normally the classes are similar to those of the FIP Commissions:
Not all classes are shown at every exhibition as exhibits and jurors may not be available. In addition, exhibitions not endorsed by FIP may have different classes.
Judging
Philatelic judging is done according to agreed criteria,
[ Guidelines for the Preparation of Philatelic Displays and Competitive Exhibits by Mark Bailey. Wokingham & District Philatelic Society, 22 June 2011. Retrieved 27 June 2011.] and in the case of international exhibitions the rules of the FIP are normally used. Judges need to be accredited by the FIP in order to be qualified to judge at FIP endorsed exhibitions.
Judging is a skill in its own right for which training is required.
Prizes
The judges award a variety of prizes, including gold,
vermeil and silver medals and other prizes as determined by the exhibition officials.
Souvenirs
It is common for commemorative covers and
to be produced for the larger exhibitions and these are a recognised collecting specialism in themselves.
See also
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List of philatelic exhibitions (by country)
Further reading
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DeVoss, James T. Federation Internationale de Philatelie Awards List. State College, Pa.: J.T. DeVoss, 1980-1990 14 editions
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Grough, James Peter. The Ever-Changing Paradigm of Philatelic Exhibiting. Malmo: Postiljonen AB, 2012 58p.
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Odenweller, Robert P. The F.I.P. Guide to Exhibiting and Judging Traditional and Postal History Exhibits. Zurich: Federation Internationale de Philatelie, 1993
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