The non-competitive exhibition, Treasures of Egypt, was graced by the patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco and by the presence of ex-King Ahmed Fouad of Egypt, son of King Farouk, who showed enormous interest in examining many of the most significant exhibits from his native land. The Egypt exhibition, which ran alongside a similar display of Maritime material, was a personal triumph for Hany Salam of the PSE (ESC 580), who as a member of the Club de Monte-Carlo has lobbied
In all, 24 members of the Circle – 18 of them from Egypt itself - showed 138 frames detailing virtually every highlight of Egyptian philately, as well as significant literature. They were joined in exhibiting by 12 internationally acclaimed philatelists who have long recognised the very special appeal in Egypt and its stamps. • We are indebted to Sami Sadek and Jon Aitchison for the following insight into the spectacle, and for many of the illustrations. Monacophil is a biannual non-competitive philatelic event hosted by the Club de Monte-Carlo. The 2019 event had two main themes, in addition to a young philatelist exhibition: one was the Treasures of Egypt and the second was Maritime postal history. These were held on the Terrasses de Fontvieille, the venue that hosts Prince Albert’s personal and extensive antique motor vehicle collection, which includes a 1903 De Dion Bouton. Just opposite was the Musée de Timbres et des Monnaies, where the Club set up an overwhelming special exhibition of the 100 world’s most
significant stamps and documents. Among the exhibitors was Her Majesty the Queen, Prince Albert himself, and Hany Salam. What an honour! Hany, the main driver behind the special Egyptian presentation, with the strong support of Patrick Maselis, president of the Club de Monte-Carlo, and Sherif Samra, was rightly praised for his organisational skills. The Egypt exhibition reflected the outstanding contribution of Egypt to international philately and provided a superb historical background to its wealth and complexity. Hany Salam acted as host and guide to Prince Albert and ex-King Ahmed Fouad on an extended tour of the frames, and the former king, accompanied by his daughter, Princess Fawzia Latifa, graciously agreed afterwards to meet the Egyptian exhibitors, many of whom gave him personal philatelic gifts. The Princess returned on the final day for another look back at Egypt’s history in stamps. Both were very friendly and approachable, involved for at least two hours talking to our members and posing for photographs. The exhibition involved many of the giants of Egyptian philately, with so many rare and stunning presentations that it would be impossible to discuss them all. So a few highlights will be mentioned to provide an idea of the outstanding quality of exhibits. Joe Chalhoub presented Treasures from the Royal Collection, with the 1948 Farouk Military issue 50 piastres displayed both as an imperforate blue frame colour trial and full imperforate sheet. In addition, he showed a stunning complete seven sheets of proofs of the First Issue. Greg Todd presented his unsurpassed collection of the First Issue including the renowned block of 53 of the 1pi. Yasser Omar showed a detailed Fouad First Portrait exhibit including proofs and the largest imperforate block of 21 of the 200 mills. Atef Sarian presented an incredible collection of the King Farouk Military issue including many rarities. Sami Fereig and Sherif Samra were granted a private meeting with ex-King Ahmed Fouad, and presented him with a copy of Professor Fereig’s three-volume tour de force of the Postal History of Egypt. The former monarch spent a significant amount of time and interest in examining the books. 
The former monarch of Egypt was thoroughly immersed in looking at exhibits as visitors thronged the hall Guests at the Gala Dinner were astonished to find the dining salon embellished with decorations reflecting Ancient Egypt.
The event was also a wonderful opportunity to socialise. Without doubt the highlight was the Gala Dinner in the Imperial Salon of the Hotel de Paris. To our surprise as we entered we saw that the room had taken a step back in history, with a sarcophagus, Tutankhamun effigy and the walls of the sumptuous dining room completely covered with huge screens designed to echo Ancient Egyptian tomb themes.
The main exhibition was held in the imposing Museum of Stamps and Coins; centre, Princess Fawzia Latifa with Sherif Samra and Jeanne Fikry; right, Hany Salam guides ex-King Ahmed Fouad to yet another treasure
Study Circle members enjoyed a meal in the environs of the exhibition. From left: Ashraf Nabil, Sherif Samra, Lena and Sami Sadek, Lada and Hany Salam, Ahmed Nabil, Adel Hanna, Bill Hedley, FEPA president, Joe Chalhoub, Lucien Toutounji, Jon Aitchison, Greg Todd, Atef Sarian.
|
