Stamp Workshops

Want to improve your stamp skills ?

In September/October 2006 we organised two workshops. Both were oversubscribed, and both seemed to be popular with those who took part. We are now happy to present a new series of workshops, with a wider choice of subjects and of times. You are advised to book early to ensure a space. Booking form at foot.

"So You Think You Know The Basics ?"

Have you ever actually been shown how to use a stamp hinge ?  Has anybody ever lectured you for five minutes on the tricks and dangers of floating stamps ?  Do you tend to do things first, and only read the instructions as a last resort ?

Have you got the humility to come to this one-hour class ?  OK, you can call it a refresher if you feel better about it.  Or will you be one of these people that are sure they know it already ?
We'll cover the following; why people collect stamps; different approaches to collecting; methods of mounting and storage (including warnings of harmful materials); the arguments for and against stamp hinges; the purpose, use, and pitfalls of stamp catalogues; condition; sources of stamps; removing paper; the use of accessories such as perforation gauges, watermark detectors, ultraviolet lamps, colour charts; and more - all in an hour !

“Watermark Workshop”

A theoretical and practical session, explaining the need for, and production of, watermarks, before moving on to looking at different methods of watermark detection. You’ll see how they work, get a chance to try out the various detectors, and have many potential problems explained. Hopefully by the end of the one-hour session you’ll be better trained at this important philatelic skill.

“How Stamps are Printed”

This will have a lot of good old-fashioned philately. An understanding of printing processes has advantages which spill over into so many other areas of stamp collecting. An illustrated talk with some practical demonstration. Not the most attractive subject, but recommended.

“Valuing a Stamp Collection”

Valuations are not easy things. They are seldom totally accurate, even when carried out by an experienced professional. This workshop will explain the various purposes for which a valuation might be carried out, why and how they differ. There will be no easy answers, but hopefully some insight and understanding.

“Don’t be Fooled by Fakes and Forgeries”

One bad buy could cost you the price of the ticket to this workshop many times over, yet most fakes and forgeries are relatively easy to spot. If only you know the basics !  This one-hour class will introduce you to the forger’s basic art, the methods they use, and the skills you need in order not to be taken in.

Just remember that the majority of stamps being sold on the internet are being offered by people with no training in spotting forgeries !

Some people spend a lifetime studying forgeries, so this is intended as no more than an introduction, but you should end up at least one step ahead of most other collectors.

“Colours for Collectors”

Why colours are important to stamp collectors. Why so many catalogues are misleading. What accessories are available, how to use them, and how good they are. The importance of working conditions. This class will have physics, physiology, and psychology as well as philately !

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Each workshop will be limited to six participants, will be held at our shop, and will only go ahead if there is a minimum of four advance bookings. If places for a class are filled, we will start a waiting list, and possibly arrange extra workshops.

Booking is essential and tickets cost just £6 each. Book in person at our shop, by telephone (credit/debit cards accepted), by post (cheques payable to “Robert Murray”), or by email.

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Robert Murray Stamp Shop, 5 Inverleith Gardens, Edinburgh EH3 5PU.

Tel 0131 552 1220 or 0131 478 7021. Email murray@stamp-shop.com

I wish to attend the following stamp workshops;

      ð    So You Think . . . . , Saturday 3 March 2007 2.30pm.                               Cost £6.00

      ð    So You Think . . . . , Saturday 3 March 2007 7.00pm.                               Cost £6.00

      ð    Watermark Workshop, Wednesday 7 March 7.00pm.                                Cost £6.00

      ð    How Stamps are Printed, Saturday 10 March 2007 2.30pm.                      Cost £6.00

      ð    Valuing a Stamp Collection, Saturday 10 March 2007 7.00pm.                   Cost £6.00

      ð    Fakes and Forgeries Workshop, Wednesday 14 March 7.00pm.                  Cost £6.00

      ð    Watermark Workshop, Saturday 17 March 2007 2.30pm.                         Cost £6.00

      ð    Colours for Collectors, Saturday 17 March 7.00pm.                                  Cost £6.00

           I enclose payment of ………..

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