John Davies’s enthusiasm for this collecting area was inspired by the exhibit in the Court of Honour at Stamp World London ’90. It featured parts of the collection of the late Francis Kiddle RDP, which he later acquired. At the time, having seen the reproductions of the original commemorative postal stationery (shown below) that were also contained in the exhibition catalogue, he purchased the souvenir reproductions of the 1890 postal stationery which were available separately and copies of the original card and envelope which I sent to myself as a memento of the 1990 exhibition.

From such small beginnings, the story unfolded…In 1889 a general opinion was expressed that the fiftieth anniversary of the introduction of Uniform Penny Postage in Great Britain “ought not to be allowed to pass without some indication of the feelings which must actuate all who looked back at the great reform introduced in 1840”.Before 1840, postage was both complicated and expensive with the costs normally borne by the recipient. A visit from the postman was rarely welcomed. By 1890, the use of the postal service had soared. By way of example: in 1840 the number of letters sent in London each day was 112,140. By 1890, it had grown to over two million. The benefits to education, the economy and social intercourse were substantial.Arrangements were made for various Jubilee celebrations to be held in 1890. Although plans for a commemorative stamp were initiated, they were later abandoned.