First, a very clear statement of intent: the Organising Committee of London 2022 has absolutely no intention of cancelling or postponing London 2022. The exhibition will go ahead from 19 to 26 February 2022.
It’s been all systems go for the organising team over many months to bring the best of the philatelic world to London, with nearly 600 exhibits, and stand holders to meet all your needs. Plus, of course, the chance to catch up with all those you have been unable to see for several months.
The international stamp exhibition, London 2022, will take place at London’s Business Design Centre in Islington. The exhibition has FIP (Fédération Internationale de Philatélie) patronage and FEPA (Federation of European Philatelic Associations) recognition.
The Business Design Centre is located in Upper Street and is a short walk from Angel station on the Northern Line of London Underground. The Northern Line provides a direct connection to Kings Cross, St Pancras International and Euston national rail stations, and links with many parts of London.
The dealers’ bourse will be open each day from 10am to 6pm (except it will close at 4pm on Saturday, 26 February). Entry will be free on all days except for the Opening Day, 19 February. On that day admission will cost £10 (tickets may be purchased in advance by visiting www.london2022.co). The booth holders will be located on the Village Green, Mezzanine Level and Gallery Bays (a full list of the booth holders can be found on the exhibition website). Present will be dealers, auctioneers, publishers and postal administrations. The stand of Royal Mail will be found on the Village Green on entering the exhibition.
The Royal Philatelic Society London will have a booth – discover all about the world’s leading philatelic society. Stamp Active (to be found on the Mezzanine Level) will welcome young collectors with encouragement and advice.
There will be a total of 3,400 frames of exhibits, divided between the two halves of the exhibition. These can be seen in the Gallery Hall and Auditorium. Exhibits of Postal History, Postal Stationery, Open Class, Picture Postcards, Revenues and part of the Youth Class will be on display from Saturday, 19 February until midday on Tuesday, 22 February. Entries of Traditional Philately, Aerophilately, Thematics, the remainder of the Youth Class, plus exhibits for the World Stamp Championship, can be seen from Wednesday, 23 February until midday on Friday, 25 February.
There will be an opportunity during Saturday, 26 February to see those exhibits that have been recognised as the ‘Best in Class’, as well as the Grand Prix National, Grand Prix International and World Stamp Championship winners. The entries in the Literature Class can be consulted every day of the exhibition in the Reading Room, which will be found on the Village Green.
Over 30 philatelic societies will be holding meetings during the exhibition while several societies will each have a table at the exhibition on Wednesday, 23 February. In addition, during the exhibition FEPA will be holding two seminars, while several of the FIP Commissions will be holding meetings. Full details of all the meetings including day and time can be found on the exhibition website.
Also, look out for the Youth Zone on the mezzanine level where there will be free activities and goodie bags for youngsters.
For those intending to spend a few days in London, hotel bookings can be arranged though HotelSmart, with a link available on the website.
Frank Walton RDP FRPSL, Chairman, London 2022 Organising Committee