Lanarkshire Philatelic Society

Spain

Ian Evans entertained Society members to an evening of Spanish material at their latest meeting.

Several decades ago, Ian became disenamoured by the volume of commemorative stamps being issued by Britain so he decided on collecting Spanish stamps with his first set being one displaying various coats of arms. He went on to produce an A to Z of thematic subjects that had been used for Spanish stamps. This included bullfighting, castles, costumes, explorers, flora and fauna, kings and military uniforms. To complete the first round, Ian displayed some early postal history, items bearing the various marks for the four portals of entry from France, and also the assortment of charge rates explaining the numerous squiggles and markings.

The second round commenced with some 19th Century stamped Postal History items with "killer" cancels, cartwheel cancellations and travelling postmarks. Some of this material has proved elusive to collect as most Spanish collectors only collect stamps. Ian was able to point out that Spaniards tended to put their stamps at any position on envelopes. He then showed particular stamp sets that he admired including Goya's Death Centenary and sets of Columbus, who was first celebrated in 1930-an unusual date as he discovered America in 1492!

Ian completed his display by showing 17th Century Royal letters complete with the Royal Arms Seal.

Phillip Longbottom provided the Vote of Thanks. 

Our next meeting, on Friday 28th November, will see a display by visiting members of Cumbernauld Philatelic Society, to which all are very welcome.