Welcome to the Museum of Philately
The Museum of Philately was originally created in the early 2010’s as the brainchild of David Feldman and Marcus Orsi, and since then has been developed into a digital platform, which presents online, many of the most important philatelic exhibits and collections belonging to private collectors. It is now re-established as a Non-Profit Organisation in the interest of developing and promoting philately worldwide. As further demonstration of its independence from any commercial organisation it has appointed Simon Martin-Redman FRPSL, the well-known and much respected international philatelist as its President. The Museum although a digital-only platform has recently published two books. The first, which present Simon’s collection of Sarawak and Joseph Hackmey’s collection of Cape of Good Hope Triangulars.
The aim of the Museum of Philately is to preserve collections intact, not only the items but the collector’s research, for future generations. It stores images of collections (most often the collector’s exhibition pages), which are then available to be viewed and downloaded, even when it is no longer in the possession of the collector. It allows users and their previous owners to see these prestigious collections in totality and also to learn more about the owners, highlighted pieces, philatelic experts as well as the awards attributed to individual collections. As the Museum of Philately grows with more collectors contributing, it is becoming an increasingly valuable resource for the philatelic researcher. It currently hosts over 110 collections and information on nearly 200 of the most important collectors throughout philatelic history.
Message from the Founder: David Feldman
Philately has been my lifelong passion, shaping my journey for nearly 70 years. The Museum of Philately was born from a desire to give back to the world of stamps that has given me so much. My vision was to create a space that would honor the greatest collections ever assembled, offering collectors a chance at an everlasting and universal legacy. Through this digital museum, these remarkable collections can be preserved for family, friends, and enthusiasts around the globe, ensuring that their achievements live on.
This endeavor would not have been possible without the support of a dedicated team who shared my enthusiasm, especially Marcus Orsi, who has stood by my side since 1981 and the later great support from Estelle Leclere as administrator and organiser, as well Romain Kohn who created the software and keeps developing it as our needs evolve and grow. I am also deeply grateful for the encouragement from some of the most esteemed collectors in our field, including Hiroyuki Kanai, Joseph Hackmey, Steve Walske, and Patrick Maselis, whose trust and enthusiasm helped bring this vision to life.
However, as the Museum grew, it became clear that to truly achieve its mission, it needed to transcend commercial associations. Despite being my brainchild, the Museum faced resistance from collectors who, understandably, perceived it as an extension of David Feldman SA. Many competing auction houses were offering to publish books for collectors who consigned their collections, leading to concerns about impartiality. In response, we made the pivotal decision to transition the Museum into a non-profit organization, appointing Simon Martin-Redman, Vice-President of the Royal Philatelic Society, as its president. This move not only reinforced the Museum’s independence but also affirmed its commitment to preserving philatelic history for all.I am honored that Simon and the team have asked me to introduce the Museum of Philately.
I hope that as you step through its virtual doors, you will be inspired by the passion, expertise, and legacy of the collectors who have entrusted their treasures to its care.
Thank you for visiting, and welcome to a celebration of philately