What elements should the exhibit include?

 Put simply, a thematic exhibit tells a story using material that has been produced to go through the post.

This material can include pre-stamp, (before 1840) classical (1840 up to about 1914) and modern items. In addition to stamps, other items should be included like postal stationery, postal history, aerophilately, proofs, essays, labels, (framas etc), forgeries – they should be marked as such, maximum cards, telegrams, and booklets. Clearly exhibitors can have a lot of fun finding a wide range of material to illustrate their theme.

The thematic exhibit must have a plan, which clearly and logically sets out the main chapters and subdivisions. The theme must be clearly developed with a beginning, middle and end. The material must show the exhibitor’s thematic and philatelic knowledge. The text must be succinct. Show what you say and say what you show. The material must be in good condition.

How will the exhibit be scored?

Exhibitions under the National APF auspices in Australia follow the International FIP rules for thematic exhibiting.
The current FIP scoring system reduces the thematic point allocation and increases the philatelic point allocation, thereby bringing it closer to those for the other philatelic disciplines. In addition, thematic exhibits without a plan will lose 3 points.

Tips for Thematic Exhibitors

Getting Started

You need to:

• look carefully at the points breakdown for thematic exhibits:
  • Treatment 30 (title and plan 15, development 15, innovation5)
  • Knowledge, personal study and research 30 (thematic 15, philatelic 15)
  • Condition and Rarity 30 (condition 10, rarity 20)
  • Presentation 5
• listen to judges’ comments
• look at other exhibits at shows
• read as widely as you can
• start a file on information about your subject from newspaper articles etc, talk to friends,
• comb through auction catalogues and dealers’ stands. If dealers know you are looking for a particular theme they often let you know when they have a good item for you.