Wild about the Wilding

Since its appearance, the Wilding has been overshadowed by the ubiquitous Machin stamp, but its short life and use of photography mean it is a firm favourite with collectors.

Within a week of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February, 1952, the Post Office was asked about its plans for new stamps. The priority was to find a suitable photograph and a sitting took place at the Dorothy Wilding Studio on 26 February and, after consultation at the Post Office, a further shoot was held in April, after which a photograph to be used for stamps was selected. In all, 75 design ideas were received, with a short-list of nine designs later being cut down to five.

The Wilding definitives provide much of interest, whether from normal counter sheets, booklets or rolls. There is a range of constant varieties and marginal markings. Aside from the technical aspects, the stamps reflect the first years of the Queen’s long reign; a young monarch finding her feet during a dramatic decade of innovation, cultural freedom, and change.

Did you know?

Some of the Wilding designs (with decimal denominations) made a re-appearance in ‘The Wilding definitives’ prestige stamp book issued in March 1998, and the subsequent ‘A Gracious Accession’ and ‘A perfect Coronation’ prestige books, and in fiftieth anniversary miniature sheets in 2002 and 2003.

Find out more

The Machin Collectors Club QEII Specialised Definitive Catalogue is the leading reference work for Machins and Wildings: www.suttonstamps.co.uk

Wildings guide: www.allaboutstamps.co.uk/stamp-guides/wilding-stamps