The Royal Philatelic Society London (“The Royal”) is the pre-eminent meeting place for the world’s philatelists, being the world’s oldest and largest philatelic society. It has a large museum which shows both philately’s development as well as its own story from its founding in 1869 to today. The vast range of artefacts in the museum are reflected in the various topics highlighted below. The museum is always keen to acquire artefacts reflecting former member’s participation in the life of the Royal as well as items illustrating how individual philatelists pursued their hobby.

Founded in 1869 the Royal was founded by a small group of friends, philately is still today both a social activity and a private study. A timeline history of the RPSL is available here.