NewsletterAugust 2010 – November 2010

MIC

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2010

Mr G.R. Lambert is a name closely associated with the early photographic history of Singapore. Born in 1846 in Germany, Lambert was one of the earliest commercial photographers who made a name in Singapore and neighbouring regions, and was among the first to establish a permanent photograph studio in Singapore in the 1880s.

The photographic company he set up, G. R. Lambert & Co., had the most

extensive inventory of views of Singapore, the Malay Peninsula, Borneo and Sumatra. Comprising about 3,000 subjects, these photographic works are valuable historical records of the growth and developing topography of Singapore as a British colonial centre.

Today, these photographs and postcards aretreasured as archival photographic documents that provide a visual reference of what Singapore looked like more than a century ago. Photograph showing the original photographic studio of G. R. Lambert

& Co., located in Gresham House at Battery Road, circa 1902

2 August 2010 – 2 JAnuAry 2011Early Singapore through rare 19th century

photographs and picture postcards

G.R. LambertThe Originals of G.R. Lambert

Double card – A panoramic view of the Singapore waterfront depicting Johnston’s Pier on the left, the pointed peak of Saint Andrew’s Cathedral in the middle, and the busy waterways off the Esplanade, circa 1905

G. R. Lambert & Co. produced the first

picture postcard of Singapore in 1897.

The postcards at that time were photographs

pasted on the blank side of Straits

Settlements postal stationery postcards.

View a selection of 100 original photographs and postcards showing the landscape and people of early Singapore at this exhibition.

This exhibition is made possible with the generous donation of G.R. Lambert & Co.photographs and postcards by Mr Koh Seow Chuan to the Singapore Philatelic Museum.

Discover Indonesia through stamps, philatelic materials and objects Land of Dance and Dragon explores the diverse beauty of Indonesia. Besides the extensive selection of indigenous flora and fauna, the archipelago offers a rich source of living traditions. Experience the splendour of Indonesia’s culture – of graceful dances by masked actors and the crowd-pleasing shadow puppets – through stamps, philatelic materials and objects.

The exhibition traces the origins of the traditional dances, their significance in daily lives and the adaptation over time. To observe the formal study of dance is to understand the history and culture of the country; its music, religion, literature, sculpture and architecture. From Java and Bali, Wayang or shadow puppet performances display scenes and poses straight from the carvings of temples.

Learn about Topeng or masked dances that narrate the stories from old Balinese and Javanese kingdoms. Epic tales of the Ramayana are delivered as dance dramas in

OctOber 2010 – MArch 2011

Wayang Wong where good triumphs over evil, and where justice, courage, love and fidelity all lead to personal fulfilment. Admire the colourful masks and try your hand on the wayang kulit puppets.

This exhibition is part of Fokus Indonesia, an ASEAN–country themed festival by National Heritage Board.

Land of Dance and DragonLand of Dance and Dragon

Johnny LowisNational Stamp Collecting Competition

Avid stamp collector and designer Johnny Lowis has been creating special souvenir covers to mark open house days at Singapore Philatelic Museum.

These limited edition covers are beautifully designed, and feature a festival stamp and unique cancellation to commemorate the event. The covers have been well received by members of the public. Proceeds from the souvenir covers help to fund education programmes at the museum.

Johnny Lowis will be at Singapore Philatelic Museum on these open house days. Mark your calendar to get a copy of the souvenir covers!

National Day 9 August 2010, MondayHari Raya Puasa 10 September 2010, FridayDeepavali 5 November 2010, Friday

Souvenir CoversCovers mark Singapore Philatelic Museum open house days

Competition keeps hobby of philately alive, vibrant and pulsating 1020

The National Stamp Collecting Competition (NSCC) is the annual philatelic event that recognises the effort and creativity of young stamp collectors from primary and secondary schools, and tertiary institutions in Singapore.

Using a wide range of philatelic items such as stamps, miniature sheets, postcards, maxicards, first day covers and slogan cancellations, participants explore an array of exciting themes. The competition hones students’ skills such as research, organisation, language and writing.

View the gold, silver and bronze entries from 600 participants. Topics include famous political figures, mysteries of aviation, ethnic costumes, Olympic fever and amazing marine life.

The Plaza, National Library 100 Victoria Street Singapore 188064

Free admission

Visit www.spm.org.sg or tel: 6337 3888

for more information

3 September, Friday 10.00am – 8.00pm4 September, Saturday 10.00am – 8.00pm 5 September, Sunday 10.00am – 6.00pm

StampStamp

International Museum Day 2010 stamp souvenir cover

NSCC 2010Johnny Lowis, avid stamp collector and designer

Postboxes add on to museum’s collection of Singapore postal artefacts

Singapore Philatelic Museum (SPM) recently acquired two lamp postboxes which were typically used in Singapore before 1965. The postboxes add on to the museum’s collection of Singapore postal artefacts.

The lamp postboxes feature the royal cipher of Queen Elizabeth II (EIIR). This indicates the introduction of the postbox during the monarch’s reign. In Singapore, the cipher was removed when the nation became a Republic.

One of the postboxes now sits prominently on SPM’s ticket counter. Visitors who drop off mail into the box are cancelled with the museum’s unique datestamp. The other box is displayed in At the Post Office – with Max and Phily children’s gallery.

The two lamp postboxes were acquired with the help of Mr Steve Knight, a postbox collector.

Steve started collecting postboxes more than a decade ago. He was fascinated with the differences between postboxes, which lead him to study and collect the postal objects. Steve converted the garden of his home into the Colne Valley Postal History Museum. The museum displays more than 100 postboxes which span from 1859 to present day, as well as other postal related memorabilia.

Thank you Steve, for helping us to source for the lamp postboxes!

The lamp postbox is the smallest type of postbox in use in the United Kingdom. It was introduced in

1897 when residents in London campaigned for posting facilities within their residential areas. The box

was attached to a lamp post, which gave it its name. The box was also installed on or imbedded into a

wall, attached to a telegraph pole, or on its own freestanding metal pedestal. Usage of the postboxes was

popular, especially in the rural area where the volume of postings was low. Such lamp postboxes were also

more commonly used in the rural area in Singapore during the colonial days.

Steve Knight, postbox collector

Lamp Postboxesfrom England

Lamp Postboxesfrom England

Youth Olympic Games 9 – 29 AuGuSt 2010This mini exhibition showcases the three stamp issues of Youth Olympic Games (YOG) from 2008 to 2010, and the colourful range of YOG memorabilia. The YOG memorabilia include the limited edition minted YOG stamp set and Singapore 2010 map pin set, and plush toys of YOG mascots Lyo and Merly.

check out the new look to the sPM website! www.spm.org.sg

Singapore Grand Prix 2010 6 – 30 SEPtEMbER 2010In conjunction with Singapore’s hosting of the Formula 1 race for three consecutive years, a mini exhibition will be held during the race period. The exhibition will focus on the popularity of the Ferrari which is widely featured on postage stamps, and collectibles such as flags, apparel and model cars.

WHAt’S ONParker Stamp PenAdd a special touch to your

writing! This stylish pen features vibrant icons of Singapore depicted on

the 2003 National Day stamps – Singapore’s national flag, Vanda Miss Joaquim – national flower, and Merlion statue.

The Parker roller ball pen makes a great collectible and perfect gift. A must for all stamp collectors! Price $18.00

Exclusively available at Singapore Philatelic Museum

upcoming Exhibitions...

Free admission to museum. Charges for programmes apply.

stamp Issuesstamp Issues4 August 2010 v National Day – National Monuments14 August 2010 v Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games22 September 2010 v Heritage Trail – Kent Ridge Park Trail10 November 2010 v Festivals

9 August 2010Monday v National Day10 September 2010Friday v Hari Raya Puasa5 November 2010 Friday v Deepavali

Open house DaysOpen house Days

>>>>>>>

exhibitionsexhibitions1 March 2009 – December 2010 v At the Post Office – with Max and Phily1 June 2010 – 12 September 2010 v Football Fever!2 August 2010 – 2 January 2011 v The Originals of G.R. Lambert9 August 2010 – 29 August 2010 v Youth Olympic Games

23-B Coleman Street Singapore 179807

Tel +65 6337 3888 Fax +65 6337 8958

www.spm.org.sg

Co.

Reg

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ber 1

9950

2248

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OPenIng hOursMon 1pm – 7pm Tues-Sun 9am – 7pm

ADMIssIOn$5.00 for adults $4.00 for children (3 – 12 years)$4.00 for senior citizens (60 years and above)

a National Heritage Board museum All information correct at time of printing