Amy Vickery (1867-1942) bequeathed her British Empire 1840-1940 stamp collection to the Australian Museum on the conditions that it remain intact and in Australia .

She also left some money for a cabinet which was duly constructed and the collection was on open access there from about 1950-1980. It had been arranged by a volunteer philatelist, Frank Hill. It was transferred to The Mint Museum and parts were displayed there between 1982-1989.

Since then it has been available to researchers by appointment at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney (contact Senior Curator, Information Technology via the switchboard (02) 92170111). It was not on display at Pacific Explorer simply because the organisers did not ask for it!

By the way, the Powerhouse Exhibition “Moving the Mail” which looks at mail transport and the production of stamps will close in July. Don’t forget to visit if you have not already done so!