1950's boutique royal mail

The 1950s were a fascinating time for Royal Mail, with the company undergoing significant changes and innovations. Here are some key facts about Royal Mail's boutique services during this era:

  1. Introduction of the GPO (General Post Office) Shops: In the early 1950s, Royal Mail opened a chain of modern, stylish shops called GPO Shops. These boutiques offered a range of postal services, including mail collection, parcel delivery, and money orders. The GPO Shops were designed to provide a more convenient and accessible postal service for the public.
  2. Post Office Savings Bank: In 1950, Royal Mail launched the Post Office Savings Bank, which allowed customers to deposit and withdraw money at post offices. This service was designed to promote thriftiness and savings among the general public.
  3. Parcels and Packets: Royal Mail introduced a range of parcel and packet services in the 1950s, including the "Packet Service" for sending small packages and the "Parcels Service" for larger items. These services were designed to cater to the growing demand for mail-order shopping and international trade.
  4. Airmail Services: With the advent of commercial air travel, Royal Mail introduced airmail services in the 1950s. This allowed for faster and more reliable mail delivery between countries, particularly for international business and personal correspondence.
  5. Philatelic Services: Royal Mail's philatelic services, including stamp collecting and philatelic exhibitions, were also popular during the 1950s. The company issued a range of commemorative stamps, including those honoring British monarchs, historical events, and cultural icons.
  6. Post Office Telephones: In the late 1950s, Royal Mail began to offer telephone services at post offices, allowing customers to make and receive calls from a single location. This marked the beginning of the end of the traditional post office as a solely postal service provider.
  7. Modernization and Automation: Throughout the 1950s, Royal Mail invested heavily in modernization and automation, introducing new technologies such as mechanized sorting machines and automated mail processing systems. This helped to increase efficiency and reduce costs, allowing the company to provide better services to customers.

Some notable Royal Mail stamps from the 1950s include:

These are just a few examples of the many fascinating services and stamps that Royal Mail offered during the 1950s.