WELCOME TO STAMP COLLECTOR
We collectors are often the first to raise an eyebrow when Royal Mail’s stamp schedule for the year is revealed. Increasingly we see stamp subjects that only have a tenuous connection to Great Britain and its people, many aimed squarely at fans of a certain TV show, film franchise, or musician, rather than commemorating ‘appropriate anniversaries and occasions, to reflect Britain’s unique contribution to the arts and world affairs,’ as Postmastertony Benn ambitiously suggested back in the 1960s.
Of course that was six decades ago and times have changed. Countless stamp issues have been issued over the years and it can’t be easy to identify new and original subjects that deserve to be celebrated. Whether we like it or not, modern stamps are a commercial enterprise too, so one eye has to stay on the finances.
Perhaps we need to be a little less cynical. In fact, this month the decision makers have actually come up trumps, issuing a fresh, modern-yet-traditional miniature sheet for the King’s coronation, and a stamp set that celebrates a very British story, and one which, remarkably, has not been commemorated on our stamps before. We’ve had Magical Realms, and Arthurian Legends (twice), but no mention of Robin, Marian, and their band of ‘Merry Men’.
The Robin Hood stamps (see page 20 for the full review) are colourful, fun, informative and tick all the right boxes.they’ve been widely covered in the national press and, in these straitened times they might even give a subtle nod to the cost of living crisis, celebrating a figure who had a unique approach to redistribution of wealth! So let’s give credit where it’s due.
Another winning collection of new stamps are those marking the Europa theme of ‘Peace - the Highest Value of Humanity’. The common design will be seen on countless stamps issued by European countries this year, with some nations adding a local interpretation too. It’s a poignant, positive message that is vitally important right now. So we have to ask, why will Great Britain not be joining in?