Stamp Centenary Exhibition SSs

1940 Stamp Centenary Exhibition Souvenir Sheets
In commemoration of the Centennial of the first postage stamp, which had been issued in 1840 by Great Britain, The Royal Philatelic Society sponsored a Stamp Centenary Exhibition, to be held at Lancaster House in London from May 6-11, 1940. The labels shown with this listing are mementos of that show. The sheets are not valid for postage, but are truly souvenir sheets; souvenirs of the show.

Printed by Perkins-Bacon, 2 labels, one in blue and one in black inks, each illustrates 2 Queen Victoria Chilon portraits. The labels had originally been produced for a show to be held in conjunction with The Lord Mayor's Red Cross and St John Fund, For this purpose the sheets were overprinted with red crosses. Collectors still find these overprinted labels in collections today. However the show was cancelled due to events during the WWII

A stock of the labels which had not been overprinted was discovered and the two labels were included in the Stamp Centenary Exhibition’s program. They are beautiful examples of the art of engraving, and stamp shows that continued on even in difficult times.