Malta in the Wembley exhibition, 1924 : postal connections

Abstract

In the tradition of the great Universal Exhibitions which had gained popularity and momentum in the previous century, London embarked on its own showpiece in 1924, to demonstrate to the world the might of the British Empire. 1924 was a momentous year for Britain. Stanley Baldwin's Conservatives resigned in January, to be followed by the first Labour Government ever, led by Ramsey MacDonald, only to be shortly later heavily defeated at the polls by the Conservatives. Baldwin was back with a vengeance in October. The Prince of Wales, later the short-lived King Edward VIII, chaired the Exhibition. Baldwin and Edward VIII soon fell out badly over the Wally Simpson romance. The exhibition had been meticulously planned since the end of the First World War. Britain expected every dominion and colony to be present with its own pavilion. [excerpt]