FEPA News

FEPA NEWS 45 33 FEPA Exhibiting This article is written to provide help and advice for preparing a good introduction page for philatelic exhibits. It is aimed at exhibits in the traditional class, but much of the information is directly or indirectly transferrable to other classes. The introduction page is the first sheet of an exhibit and introduces the viewer to the collection. It is known under a wide range of names: Introduction Page, introductory statement, title page, introductory sheet, first sheet, front page… it is all the same thing. Some refer to the introduction page as ‘ the most important page of an exhibit ’, and although this is open to discussion, it is certainly true that it is an essential page. A good introduction page can make the difference between two medal-grades so it is wise to invest some thought and time preparing it. The introduction page should not be confused with the “synopsis”. The synopsis is a document, not shown in the frames, which can provide additional information such as the history of the collection, new additions and context information to aid or guide the jury. I am not a fan of the synopsis and certainly do not like the inflation it has been subject to; moving from one page to one page printed on either side and even several pages. In my opinion what should be judged is what is shown in the frames. My opinion might be that of the minority, but it is worth noting that the FIP “General Regulations of the FIP for the Evaluation of competitive exhibits at FIP exhibitions” (GREV) reads (Article 2, paragraph 2.2): “T he evaluation of exhibits will only take into consideration the material and information displayed ” (my underlining). At any rate, the introduction page is compulsory requirement whereas the synopsis is voluntary. Rules and Guidelines Philatelic exhibitions at all levels follow the same general rules and guidelines as laid out by FIP. The most fundamental rules common to all exhibition classes are laid down in ‘GREV’ (General Regulations for the Evaluation) and are supplemented by more specific rules by class in ‘SREV’ (Special Regulations for the Evaluation) and ‘Guidelines for Judging’. In GREV paragraph 3.3 it reads: “ The exhibit shall showa clear concept of the subject treated……….The concept shall be laid out in an introductory statement, …. ” In the SREV for traditional philately exhibits it reads in article 3: “T he title page must contain an introductory statement, which explains the aim of the exhibit. It must be followed by a logical plan leading like a red thread through the exhibit. ” Finally, the Guidelines for traditional philately read in paragraph 2.3: “All traditional philately exhibits must include an introductory sheet. This introductory sheet should consist of: The Introduction Page Advice on preparing a good introduction page for an exhibit Lars Jørgensen RDPSA FRPSL writes: