Philately in Delhi - Yes...collecting stamps in Delhi

Philately in Delhi

Philately – yes the hobby of collecting stamps. There was a time when all kids worth their time would have a stamp collection. They would trade, bicker, argue, fight over the value of stamps. The stamp would be valued as per their wish. The stamps of course came from letters received from abroad from friends, relatives and more.

 

The million dollar question is does it exist today in the era of emails, internet and online. Are stamps sold? Better still are they printed and published? Yes to all these questions.

 

The Department of Post, Government of India regularly brings out Mint stamps (unused stamps),  Commemorative Stamps.
First Day Covers (FDCs, which are issued with every commemorative stamp).
Brochure (Information sheet accompanying each commemorative stamp). Collectors' Packs (Year-wise). Miniature/Souvenir sheets which are sometimes issued. This are sold through the Philately Counter of the Department of Post. One can get information about the new launches of stamps, book buying miniature sheets. There are plenty of stamps on display.

 

There was a Philately Museum at the Sansad Marg, Head Post Office, which is being renovated. I shall cover it when it is reopened. This Post office has a Philately Division which sends all the items brought out by them for every new stamp issued. There is a little formality of filling up the form and giving money. It is carefully dispatched and one can get new launches as and when it is done.

Where – The Sansad Marg GPO is located at the corner of Parliament Street. It is opposite Jeevan Tara building next to the Metro Station.

Timing – Monday to Friday – 10 am to 5 pm. Saturday is half a day and Sunday is a holiday. It works the same timing as the Post office

Highlight -  There is a special enclosure in the post office. It is well lit, glass door with plenty of stamps on display. One can buy the latest issue, miniature sheets, FDC. New launches are displayed for one to choose along with the prices. Forthcoming launches are also advertised. The staff is courteous and attentive.

Insider Tip – The Philately cell is going online in a big way. At the moment new accounts for regular buying of stamps is on hold.  It is being computerized which will probably make buying and selling easier. The division holds exhibition, buyer seller meets and more. Get closer and you will discover a world of stamps which no one knew every existed.

Carpet Cellar - A treasure trove of Carpets and Pashmina

Have you ever entered an Alladin’s cave where cashmere / pashmina shawls – new, vintage and antique, pieces of vintage textiles and row upon rolls upon rolls of new carpets and antique ones, belonging to Maharajas, made during the British Raj, made in Persia, Kashmir in wool, silk and its numerous combination are arranged in perfect synchrony? There are tribal rugs, kilms, durries, Mughal Jail carpets, HadjiJalili’s, modern damascue, contemporary ones. The collection some woven in India, some sourced from the finest manufacturing centres, galleries and from Princely families.  The impact is overwhelming. I had been to their showroom in the basement of their home, but this one in a commercial place with enough space for display was mind boggling. It was started by the late Mr. Sheel Chandra. What helped him establish himself was that he was in the wool trade, of importing wool from Australia and New Zealand for various woollen mills in India. This gave him insight into wool and of course carpets.

Today the main collection is available at their showroom on Mehrauli Gurgaon Road. A huge space with just carpets and cushions is a virtual feast to the eyes. The old place in the basement of Anand Niketan has the restoration unit and of course products. I had visited their MG Road showroom quite a while ago.

Where – The showroom is located in Sultanpur – MG Road – 348D Mehrauli Gurgaon Road to be precise. It is opposite Zorba.

Timings - It is open 7 days – 10.30 am to 7 pm

Highlights - Have one of the largest collection of antique textiles, brocade, jacquard, Jamewar shawls, paisleys and Kani shawls. There are plenty of revivals in the hand knotted carpet section. The range of vintage and antique textiles, rugs and carpet is mind boggling.

Insider Tip – The revival work done by them is fascinating. Several old motifs, designs, method of weaving has been revived. The best of wool and silk is used in the revival. Kashmiri carpet is an area of expertise as is the revival of Kani shawls and work with Pashmina. The list of their work with textiles and carpets in unending, The antique carpet collection for sale also in large enough to fill a few books. What though stands out is the passion and personal touch in dealing with the textiles and visitors.