Become a friend of the Museum

A Virtual Museum

The history of the Museum began as far back as more than ten years ago, when David Feldman wanted to solve the issue of great collections being bequeathed to physical museums where they may be relegated to basement storage and even at best, if on exhibit, would attract little visitation. Besides that, many great items would be lost for possible acquisition by future collectors. His answer was to create a virtual museum where the collections could be exhibited permanently for all to see through an Internet website. Aided. by Marcus Orsi and the technology team at the David Feldman Company, the project was born and progressed and evolved over the following years.

A Non-Profit Organisation

Though the Museum grew and the number of great collections developed, David felt that having the David Feldman Company appearing as “owners” of the project could be an obstacle. This was because some competing auction companies offered a Book Publication Service to collectors, but in return expected that the respective collector will sell the property through their auction house. This was not David’s intention with the Museum. He wanted to give back to the philately world a special gift of the Museum where great collections could be exhibited all over the world but WITHOUT any obligation of the collector for any commercial arrangements.   So was born the reconstituting it as a ‘NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATION’ which reset the status of Museum.

I was honoured to be  asked to be its President and having this status as a NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION meant I could accept the position and continue to remain thoroughly independent of a commercial concern.

Moving Forward

With this new structure, the Museum is no longer owned by any person, institution or company, but has almost daily financial needs to cover internet costs, technological development, administration, design and promotions and general marketing etc. It is reckoned that a budget of some £60 – 80,000 annually is required. Originally  these costs had been covered by the David Feldman Company and the voluntary contributions of Marcus Orsi, Romain Kohn, Estelle Leclere and now myself.  However, in this first full year David Feldman, personally, is the main supporter with continued donations to the Museum. This is unsustainable.

Support us by becoming a Friend of the Museum

I have already approached a few contributors and a couple have already, very kindly, donated money towards the running costs of the Museum.  I believe that this should be formalised by forming a category called ‘Friends of the Museum’ who are willing to help defray costs.

The Museum is a unique resource and what we show are some of the very best world class exhibits and collections that exist.  It means of course that there is a record of these collections in perpetuity if they every get broken up and sold,

If you feel like being a “Friend of the Museum’ please contact me directly; I would be very grateful indeed?

Simon Martin-Redman FRPSL

President