snail mail of the week: Kat Ran Press’ book, “Eric Gill: Notes on Postage Stamps”

Great Britain postage stamp: Growth of Savings

c. 1961, part of set to commemorate the “Centenary of Post Office Savings Bank”

designed by Michael Goaman

The profile of Queen Elizabeth II seen on the above stamp incorporates a portrait by photographer Dorothy Wilding.

Using a photographic approach presented difficulties for future commemorative postage stamp designs. In 1966, as result of a compromise designed by David Gentelman, the Queen’s head was simplified to a cameo silhouette (based off of Mary Gillick’s earlier effigy design). But in 1967, sculptor Arnold Machin was commissioned to create a new representation of the Queen which became a classic. The evolution of the design is very complex, with political involvement making it tricky.

The design history involving mandates and strict style guides for Queen Elizabeth II’s depiction on UK stamps recently became of extra interest following a court battle which presented a possibility of removing Queen Elizabeth II’s cameo in future postage stamps.

I’m not too informed on the British monarchy and its influence on stamp designs. I’ll need to read up more about it, and will probably make a better post once I gather some more info.

Royal approval required for stamp rugs

“The Queen’s head is embossed on these unique Postage Stamp Rugs which are skilfully hand woven from 100% New Zealand wool in the Kathmandu valley, Nepal. Featuring scalloped edges which mimic the perforations on Royal Mail Postage Stamps each rug is individually hand carved to create a stunning 3D effect…” —Rug Maker

(more on the “strictly regulated” Machin postage stamp design via BBC)