Royal Mail marks 100th anniversary of its British commemorative collections

09 April 2024 , 08:09

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Royal Mail said the new set shows the diversity of the stamps programme (Image: No credit)

Royal Mail has unveiled 10 new stamps to mark the centenary of its British commemorative collections.

These distinctive stamps have played a pivotal role in marking major milestones and capturing memories of national life in the UK. Each of the 10 celebratory stamps features a curation of three images from earlier issued commemoratives, including the first one dating back to 1924.

This inaugural special stamp was introduced on April 23, as a tribute to the opening of the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley Park in London. Over the decades, a host of artists and designers have been entrusted with the task of encapsulating significant anniversaries and events into these timeless artefacts.

Ranging from microcosmic insects to vast expanses of outer space, the breadth of themes covered by these stamps are testament to the diversity inherent in them. In the past century, subjects such as literature, film and television, music, transport, nature, influential individuals, and royalty have been encapsulated in these miniature tributes.

David Gold, Director of External Affairs and Policy at Royal Mail, eloquently reflected on this centennial achievement, said: "British commemorative stamps have mirrored the changes in society and culture at large for the past century."

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He added: "They celebrate the best of the UK, our people and our national character. Everyone will have their own favourites, but this set shows the diversity of the stamps programme and how design and subject matter have evolved in a century."

Lawrence Matheson