Do you remember the time when you wrote a letter, pasted a postage stamp and posted it to your family, relatives, friend or penpal? As you are reading this, some of you might remember the good old days (I am sure you would say that, I would too!) when technology and the internet was not as advanced and sophisticated as today’s technology and communication platform and tools.

You’ve Got Mail!

On the other hand, the younger generation might not be to relate with this thing called, “You’ve Got Mail!”, they might have written some letters and post it, although most of the modern communication today is using technology and a host of different apps that they communicate with their family, relatives and friends.

There is a new exhibition at Singapore Philatelic Museum (SPM), taking place from 11thApril to 31stDecember 2018, titled “You’ve Got Mail!”. This exhibition seeks to re-ignite the good old days fond memories (for people like me) of writing, drawing and decorating a mail to your family, relatives or friends. For the younger generation, this exhibition would be excellent to know about how some of things were being done in the era whereby technology wasn’t as advanced as today’s technological standards. Hopefully, through visiting “You’ve Got Mail!” exhibition at Singapore Philatelic Museum.

Upon entering the gallery into the world of “You’ve Got Mail!”, I was reflecting and thinking … when was the last time I wrote a personalised letter/card, paste a postage stamp and mail it to a relative or friend? Maybe more than 20 years ago for me? Inside the gallery, there is a collection of 200 award winning decorative envelopes from the Washington Calligraphers Guild (USA). Take your time, to walk down memory lane, observe and admire the colorful and talented artworks, drawings and handwriting, each uniquely different and special.

There is still a certain charisma and attraction with the art of letter writing that the modern internet, technology and social media would not be to replicate. Every letter, envelope or card is unique and personalised, this is definitely a gift, a treasure that you can keep for memories sake and pass it on to your future generation because every letter, envelope or card tells a unique story.

Seeing Is Believing! Unusual Stamps

When you finished touring “You’ve Got Mail!” exhibition, it’s only the first segment, there is a second segment, known as “Seeing Is Believing! Unusual Stamps”. In this era of modern technology, stamps have innovaated along with modern technology as well, from stamp design and printing technology, accompanied with a bit of creativity, the modern stamp have transformed from the traditional and humble postage stamp (either square or rectangular shape) into today’s stamps that engage our senses – sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch.

In this “Seeing Is Believing! Unusual Stamps” exhibition, visitors are able to have a good look at all those new age new look stamps! Each unique new age stamps tell a unique story of each country they were from, let me share a few examples:

  • Singapore (2008): World’s first hand-pasted beaded stamps depicting the exquisite beadwork of the Peranakans

  • Bhutan (1973): World’s first “talking stamps” – plastic (vinyl) stamps embossed with melodies of native songs that are playable on a record player.

  • Switzerland (2001): World’s first chocolate scented stamps

 

  • Austria (2004): World’s first stamp embedded with Swarovski crystals

There are over 150 unusual stamps and philatelic materials from the SPM collection and lenders on display inside the gallery! Some of the stamps exhibits are interactive and fun, ideal for children to play and learn about unusual stamps and philatelic materials from all over the world!

You’ve Got Mail! Postcard Contest

There is a contest organised by SPM, a postcard design contest! Now is the time to let your creativity and inspiration flow into your own postcard design! Mail your creative postcards to this address:

Singapore Philatelic Museum

23-B Coleman Street

Singapore 179807

Closing date: By 17thJune 2018

There are exciting prizes to be won, there are six cash prizes of up to $500, winners will be announced on 16thJuly 2018 and images of the the winning entries will be posted on www.spm.org.sg. Terms and conditions apply.

The two new segments at SPM, “You’ve Got Mail!” and “Seeing Is Believing! Unusual Stamps” exhibitions are definitely worth visiting, it’s going to bring back some good old memories for you, they can also be an excellent experiential learning place for young kids too!

Pass it on and Pay It Forward, share about the two new new segments at SPM, “You’ve Got Mail!” and “Seeing Is Believing! Unusual Stamps” exhibitions with your family, relatives and friends!

Details of You’ve Got Mail! Exhibitions

Venue: Singapore Philatelic Museum

            23-B Coleman Street, Singapore 179807

Date: 11thApril to 31stDecember 2018

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday

                                     10:00am – 7:00pm

Admission charges: Free admission for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents

Admission charges for tourists: Adult $8 / Child (3-12 years old) $6

Telephone: 6337 3888

Website: www.spm.org.sg

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SingaporePhilatelicMuseum/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilovespm/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ilovespm

Offical hashtags: #youvegotmailSPM / #artonenvelopeSPM


Created with flickr slideshow.

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