BOSTON – As hobbies go, philately, or stamp collecting as it’s more commonly known, is inexpensive given that the vast majority of stamps on the planet are available for very small sums. I’ve spent maybe $3,000 on it since I started collecting stamps (sporadically) at age 8, about a third of that total in the last few years after I finally joined some stamp clubs. I’m now 59. I’ve worked on my several thousand stamps about once a month—sometimes more frequently, sometimes less—for much of my life. And the funny thing is that even though I’m considered an extroverted and gregarious person, I’ve approached philately almost purely as a solitary contemplative pursuit. A way to reflect upon history and geography, war and peace, art and culture on my own terms.
In fact, until I attended the Boston 2026 World Expo last Sunday, a weeklong global stamp-collecting extravaganza that I am extremely pleased to see happening in my hometown, I have never attended a single philatelic event of any kind.
Be that as it may, I had a blast at the Expo. So much so that I made sure to take advantage of the dreary weather visible through the impossibly high windows overlooking the Menino Convention Center in South Boston to do my moody photography thing. Which I am pleased to present to BINJ.News readers in the slideshow below. I recommend checking out my photo set on a full-sized computer screen rather than a phone—the better to apprehend how I took advantage of the vast spaces and dramatic lighting all around me as I wended my way from stamp dealers to international post offices to topical and regional philatelic clubs at the huge event.
The Boston 2026 World Expo is happening at the Menino Convention & Exhibition Center in South Boston until this Saturday, May 30. Admission is free. More info at www.boston2026.org.
