Before Natstamp '98, National exhibitions in Australia used frames which held three rows of five sheets. The heights of the exhibition sheets which could be held in those frames was about 29 cm and the width (without overlapping) about 24 cm.

At Natstamp '98, new frames holding 4 rows of 4 sheets were introduced. In these frames, the sheets are held in place by transparent plastic strips at both the top and bottom of the sheets.

The other difference for mounting teams is that displays are placed in the frame once the frame has been set up, unlike the 5 x 3 frames where the display was placed in the frame before set-up. The effect of this is that the new frames are vertical when the display is being mounted. It is, therefore, important that the exhibition pages used by exhibitors fit easily under the plastic strips securing the sheets. If this is not so then the exhibitor risks damage to their material as a result of sheets falling to the floor or being bent in an attempt to fit them into the frames. Oversize sheets coupled with thin plastic protectors represent an extremely difficult task for the mounting teams as anyone who has helped out at Australia 99 or a recent National exhibition can testify.

Page Height

The maximum height of sheets that will consistently fit in the 4 x 4 frames is 28.5 cm INCLUDING the height of the protector. Sheets higher than this (including 'standard' album pages such as the SG Senator leaves) should not be used. A mounting team's worse nightmare is of A4 sheets in thin plastic protectors. If you need to use A4 sheets to pass through a computer printer or wish to use standard album pages, they MUST be trimmed before they are used for exhibiting.

Width

The APF recommends the use of pages within the width range of 21.6 cm to 23.0 cm (with a maximum of 24.0 cm including the protector). Pages which are wider than this have to be overlapped, with the potential for part of your exhibit or important text to be obscured. While mounting teams will attempt to present such exhibits in the best manner possible, the exhibitor is responsible for ensuring that if overlapping is necessary that no important elements of their display are likely to be obscured.

In order to meet the new requirements the APF has introduced a range of protectors and album sheets which meet the size requirements of the 4 x 4 frames:

• Exhibition pages in sizes of 283 x 216 mm and 283 x 230 mm
• Exhibition protectors in sizes of 285 mm x 225 mm and 285 x 240 mm.

If you are using commercially produced pages you may need to trim them to the correct size. If you have paper or protectors made to measure, please ensure that you use the correct size.

Exhibition Protectors

Very thin exhibition protectors should be avoided as they make mounting difficult. Protectors such as the APF's polypropylene protectors represent the minimum thickness that should be used. Protectors such as the APF's Mylar protectors offer more rigidness and are easier to mount in the frames. Very thick, heavy protectors should be avoided as they add to the weight carried by commissioners.

Top opening protectors offer better protection to the contents than side opening protectors and are preferred.

The APF product list includes a protector 290 mm x 252 mm. This exhibition protector is made available for collectors who wish to use standard size album pages in their collections but is NOT suitable for exhibition use.

Exhibiting Oversize Sheets

Sheets which are over the maximum height may require special mounting techniques such as being taped to the frame. Exhibitors should always ask for special permission for the use of such pages.

To exhibit large items such as oversize covers exhibitors may use sheets which are wider than normal and which, for example, replace two sheets. They are responsible for making sure that such sheets are located appropriately in their display (eg a double sheet could not be sheets 4 and 5 in a 4 x 4 frame as this would require the sheet to be in two different rows). Such sheets should be advised to the Commissioner and special instructions should be given on the front of the relevant exhibition envelope.

State exhibitions

State level exhibitions may use either the 4 x 4 frames or the older 5 x 3 frames. In addition some state level exhibitions will include one or two national level classes (eg Victoria 2000) and use 5 x 3 frames for these as well. Check the prospectus! While the use of 5 x 3 frames may allow the use of exhibition pages over 28.5 cm in height (including the height of the protectors), if you are planning to exhibit at other state shows or at national exhibitions you should mount your exhibit on pages that fit the 4 x 4 frames to avoid having to remount the exhibit.

Exhibiting Internationally

Most international exhibitions use 4 x 4 frames. However the maximum height and width of pages that can be fitted into the frames vary. It is important to check the prospectus of each exhibition carefully to ensure that your pages will fit. If they don't you should ask the commissioner for advice. If necessary the Commissioner may ask the exhibition committee to agree to the larger size pages.

Even though some international exhibitions may be able to accept page heights greater than 28.5 cm (including the height of the protectors), if you are planning to exhibit at national exhibitions you should mount your exhibit on pages that fit the Australian 4 x 4 frames to avoid having to remount the exhibit.

If you require further assistance or clarification of any of the above, you can direct to inquiry to the APF Philatelic Development Officer who will endeavour to assist.