It has taken nearly two centuries.
For collectors to begin fully appreciating the Mulready's historical significance, extraordinary rarity and beauty.
In our recent auctions, Mulreadys have proved among the most popular items. Realising prices sometimes four times above our pre-sale estimates.
The market is rising fast but remains in its early stages. Offering significant growth potential to you today.
The Mulready Collection tells the story of the Penny Black's forgotten cousin in 14 wonderful artefacts.
Handpicked for you by our in-house specialists. It comprises: 
This collection traces the Mulready’s entire story.
From the printer's working proof. Via an example used before the official day of issue. To the only known hand coloured example sent on the first day of issue.
It also includes one of only two recorded Mulreadys uprated to the 6d rate to cover 3oz in weight with four Penny Blacks. Representing one of the greatest rarities of early British postal history.
The collection culminates in a remarkable posthumous usage from 1847. Five years after the remaining stocks were supposed to have been destroyed.
It also features the rarest village usages and the most unusual postal cancellations. Illustrating the depth and fascination this area of collecting has to offer.
Beyond its importance as a museum grade exhibit, the Mulready Collection also provides the ideal foundation upon which an ambitious collector could build.
With further development, it has the potential to form the basis of an internationally competitive exhibit. Capable of challenging for a Grand Prix Gold Medal, the highest honour in world philately.
A brief history of the Mulready
The authorities introduced Mulready stationery letter sheets as part of the British Post Office postal reforms at the same time as the Penny Black.
Designed by Irish artist William Mulready, they went on sale on 1 May 1840 and were valid for use from 6 May 1840.
The social reformer, Sir Rowland Hill, was the driver of the reforms: a postal system based on the concept of prepaid postage with a uniform Penny Post. Hill expected the Mulready stationery to be more popular than postage stamps…
But within two months, the authorities scrapped the Mulready stationery. With the Penny Black already the clear winner with the public.
Rowland Hill said at the time, “I fear we shall have to substitute some other stamp for that design by Mulready... the public have shown their disregard and even distaste for beauty.”
The design
Mulready’s design was a romantic conception of the worldwide benefits that cheap postage would bring.
The design features Britannia, with a shield depicting the Union Flag and the British Lion at her feet. She presides over the ocean and despatching a winged messenger to each of the four points of the compass. Below the messengers are sailing ships on the left, and on the right a Laplander on a sleigh drawn by a reindeer.
To the left are oriental groups: Chinese with pigtails, laden camels, elephants, a letter writer, and a child reading bad news to a bedridden parent.
To the right are a group probably representing William Penn negotiating with Native Americans. Also here are women and children under a palm tree, a planter supervising the heading up of casks and a mother reading good news to her children.
Artistically, the design is genius, although questionable in terms of being practical for its purpose.
Acquire the collection today
The collection below has a retail value of £300,100. It is available to you today for £250,000 - a saving of 17%.
Call +44 (0)1534 639 998 or email info@paulfrasercollectibles.com to enquire today.
