In stock · No. BIGGIE RUN 2
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ROYAL MAIL PHQ CARD - TEMPLETON CARPET FACTORY GLASGOW - EUROPEAN CITY OF CULTURE 1990
Discover a pristine piece of British postal history with this beautifully preserved Royal Mail PHQ stamp card featuring Glasgow's iconic Templeton Carpet Factory. This mint condition collectible from the celebrated Europa 1990 series commemorates Glasgow's designation as European City of Culture - a perfect addition for both architecture enthusiasts and serious philatelic collectors.
DESCRIPTION This is an official Royal Mail PHQ (Postal Headquarters) stamp card specifically card 124(d) from the Europa 1990 series. The front beautifully reproduces Paul Hogarth's stunning 37p postage stamp design showcasing the ornate Moorish-inspired façade of the Templeton Carpet Factory in Glasgow.
The card captures every intricate detail of this architectural marvel - from the distinctive terracotta coloring to the ornate patterned brickwork round windows and zigzag decorative elements that make this building so unique. Queen Elizabeth II's silhouette appears in dignified gray on the right side as is traditional for Royal Mail stamps.
The reverse carries full details about the stamp issue including confirmation that it was designed by Paul Hogarth OBE RA RDI and issued by Royal Mail on March 6 1990. The card was produced by the respected Judges Postcards Limited of East Sussex ensuring the highest quality reproduction of this significant stamp design.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE The Templeton Carpet Factory stands as one of Scotland's most distinctive industrial buildings constructed between 1888 and 1892. Its flamboyant design was directly inspired by the Doge's Palace in Venice creating a startling and magnificent façade for what was essentially a working factory.
The building's architect William Leiper created this masterpiece during Glasgow's industrial heyday when the city's wealthy industrialists sought to elevate their manufacturing facilities into architectural statements. The building's exotic appearance belied its practical purpose as one of Britain's most important carpet manufacturing centers.
This PHQ card commemorates Glasgow's proud designation as European City of Culture in 1990 a pivotal moment in the city's transformation from industrial powerhouse to cultural center. The selection of the Templeton Factory for this stamp series demonstrates its iconic status in representing Glasgow's unique blend of industrial heritage and architectural splendor.
CONDITION This PHQ card remains in
exceptional mint condition despite being over three decades old. The front image displays vibrant unfaded colors with the distinctive terracotta/orange-red of the building particularly well-preserved against the clean white background of the stamp design.
The back is pristine and completely unmarked with no writing stamps or postal markings of any kind. There is only very minimal age-related yellowing/toning along some edges which is to be expected in even the best-preserved ephemera of this age.
A small spot/mark is visible in the bottom right corner of the back and there's a very minor mark in the middle-right edge area of the front but these are hardly noticeable and don't detract from the card's overall excellent presentation. No creases tears or corner damage are present - truly remarkable preservation for paper ephemera from 1990.
AGE/ERA This Royal Mail PHQ card dates precisely to March 6 1990 when the corresponding stamp was issued. The early 1990s represent an interesting period in British postal history falling between the privatization of Royal Mail and the digital revolution that would soon transform how we communicate.
The card captures a significant cultural moment - Glasgow's year as European City of Culture which marked a turning point in perceptions of this industrial Scottish city. The celebration helped transform Glasgow's reputation from gritty industrial center to vibrant cultural destination.
PHQ cards from this era occupy a special place in philatelic collecting representing the golden age of stamp card production before digital printing and design would change the aesthetic of such items. The hand-painted artwork of Paul Hogarth captures a level of artistry and craftsmanship increasingly rare in today's postal designs.
RARITY While PHQ cards were produced specifically for collectors
mint condition examples from the early 1990s are becoming increasingly difficult to find as time passes. Many have been written on postmarked damaged through improper storage or simply discarded as collections are broken up.
The preservation quality of this particular example places it above most surviving specimens. The complete absence of writing postal markings or significant damage makes this a premium example for the discerning collector.
With interest in architecture-themed philatelic items growing among specialized collectors cards featuring distinctive buildings like the Templeton Factory have gained added appeal beyond general PHQ card collecting. The crossover interest from Scottish heritage collectors further enhances this card's desirability.
COLLECTOR'S NOTE There is something profoundly satisfying about holding a perfectly preserved piece of postal history in your hands. Unlike digital images or reproductions this original PHQ card provides a tangible connection to a specific moment in time - Glasgow's cultural renaissance of 1990.
For collectors of Royal Mail PHQ cards architectural postal themes or Scottish heritage items this pristine example offers exceptional display quality. The vivid colors and crisp details would make this a standout piece in any collection focusing on British philatelic items industrial architecture or Glasgow memorabilia.
Imagine the journey this card has taken - produced for Royal Mail in 1990 carefully preserved for over three decades and now potentially becoming the centerpiece of your specialized collection. These authentic pieces of postal ephemera connect us to our collective heritage in ways that digital reproductions simply cannot match.
SHIPPING INFORMATION Buy multiple postcards and pay only ONE low shipping cost! I always combine shipping on multiple items to help you build your collection economically. Your carefully packaged PHQ card will be shipped in an archival sleeve within a rigid mailer to ensure it arrives in the same excellent condition shown.
SECURE THIS PIECE OF BRITISH POSTAL HISTORY TODAY! Mint condition Royal Mail PHQ cards from this era are gradually disappearing into permanent collections making premium examples increasingly difficult to acquire. This exceptionally preserved card featuring one of Glasgow's most iconic architectural landmarks represents both philatelic and cultural history in one beautiful package. Once this pristine piece joins someone's specialized collection finding another example in this flawless condition may prove challenging. Don't miss your opportunity to own this perfect piece of Glasgow's European City of Culture legacy before it's gone forever!"
_gsrx_vers_1715 (GS 9.9.2 (1715))
Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.
Gosla Antiques & Collectibles