London, UK (7 May, 2010) – The biggest philatelic event in London for 30 years, the Festival of Stamps, gets fully underway this week with the opening of the International Stamp Exhibition in London on May 8 and a major exhibition including many of the Queen’s own collection at the Guildhall in the City.
Ahead of the event, Charles Dupplin, art and collectibles expert at specialist insurer Hiscox, comments:
“Both the International and the Guildhall exhibitions are hugely exciting. Some of the world’s major rarities will be on display for all to see. One of the highlights at the International Stamp Exhibition will be a posthumous exhibit from the collection of Lady Mairi Bury which really is very special as this may be one of the last opportunities to see some of her treasures. The Guildhall will also house some rarely seen items from the Royal Philatelic Collection which the Queen has graciously lent.
“Stamps are a mature and established collectible and their value has held up well. They provide a unique window into the political and geographical history of their period and are said to be one of the most valuable items in the world by size and weight.
“Stamp collecting continues to be an enduring fascination for a range of people, from sovereigns to schoolchildren, and remains a popular alternative investment. For those collectors who began as children steaming stamps off envelopes but have now bought higher-value items as their incomes have grown, besides the sentimental value, it is wise to work out what their collection is worth in financial terms. The world record price for a single stamp sold at auction is more than £1.5m and there are many stamps worth more than £100,000. What began as a hobby may have grown into a valuable collection, so it’s a good idea to get a professional valuation and speak to a specialist insurer that covers such collections as standalone or as part of a home insurance policy.”
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Hiscox Ltd
About Hiscox
Hiscox, the international specialist insurer, is headquartered in Bermuda and listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:HSX). There are three main underwriting parts of the Group - Hiscox London Market, Hiscox UK and Europe and Hiscox International. Hiscox London Market underwrites internationally traded business in the London Market - generally large or complex business which needs to be shared with other insurers or needs the international licences of Lloyd's. Hiscox UK and Hiscox Europe offer a range of specialist insurance for professionals and business customers, as well as high net worth individuals. Hiscox International includes operations in Bermuda, Guernsey and USA. Hiscox Insurance Company Limited, Hiscox Underwriting Limited, Hiscox Europe Underwriting Limited and Hiscox Syndicates Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
For further information, visit www.hiscox.com