John Lennon's Stamp Collection Set to Show at Major Exhibition
Beatles fans and philatelists alike will be able to view John Lennon's childhood stamp collection during the World Stamp Show in New York City, May 28th through June 4th.
According to the Smithsonian National Postal Museum — which first housed Lennon's stamps in 2005 — the budding musician began collecting stamps after his older cousin, Stanley Parkes, gifted him a partially filled in album. Over the years, Lennon filled the book with stamps taken from letters sent from the United States and New Zealand.
When the National Postal Museum first purchased Lennon's "lost album," late curator Wilson Hulme did note to Smithsonian Magazine that the collection did not boast any notable stamps. "Typically, young boys aren't interested in rarity," he said. "They tend to concentrate on geography and colors. If they come back to collecting when they have more time and money, that's when collections become exceptional."
Still, the album does offer a unique insight into Lennon's childhood, and perhaps his budding wanderlust and creativity: The book's title page features a reprinted stamp emblazoned with Queen Victoria and King George VI — on their likenesses, Lennon doodled a mustache and beard, respectively.
By: Jon Blistein
Source: Rolling Stone
