Stamp Magazine

In our October issue we go back to the Middle Ages in search of Dante: Italy’s national poet, the author of Inferno, and, unusually for a medieval figure, the inspiration behind many spectacular stamps.

As the Philatelic Congress of Great Britain prepares to return after a year’s absence, we also reveal the eclectic range of collectables that the event has spawned over the years. Stamps and cancellations are just the tip of the iceberg.

Amongst our regular features, Commonwealth Classics recalls the only King Edward VII definitives issued in the Australian colonies, while Great Engravers celebrates the work of Lars Sjooblom, who may go down in history as the last great designer of recess-printed stamps for Sweden. Black Magic investigates why some Penny Blacks received neat single cancellations while others got untidy multiple cancellations.

Our news pages have full details of Royal Mail’s two latest special issues, featuring Industrial Revolutions and British Army Vehicles, plus a preview of Stampex, which is retirning with a new layout and new ideas.