Category Archives: 2022 New Issues

Typically Dutch: Football (Netherlands)

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[from a press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Typically Dutch – Football (“Voetbal”)

Date of issue: 15 August 2022
Appearance: sheet of six stamps in six identical designs
Item number: 420762
Design: Claire Bedon and Edwin van Praet (Total Design), Amsterdam

This issue is the fifth and last in this year’s Typically Dutch series. In 2022, the multi-annual series is dedicated to five sports in which the Dutch excel. The six identical postage stamps will be marked ‘Nederland 1’, the denomination for items weighing up to 20g destined for the Netherlands. The Typically Dutch – football issue was designed by graphic designer Clair Bedon and creative director Edwin van Praet from Total Design in Amsterdam. Earlier this year, stamps featuring ice skating (3 January), hockey (21 March), cycling (4 April) and sailing (9 May) were published as part of this series.

With over 1.2 million members, Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) is the largest sports association in the Netherlands. While the number of men’s footballers remains stable, women’s football has been on the rise for years, with over 160,000 members. Football in the Netherlands has a long history, with the founding of the first football club in 1879: the Haarlemsche Football Club (HFC). One of the founders, Pim Mulier, established the Royal Dutch Football Association (NVAB) ten years later. In 1895, athletics took its own course and in 1929, the football association received the designation ‘Royal’. This marked the birth of the name KNVB. In 1971, the Dutch Women’s Football Association (NDVB) merged into the KNVB.

The Dutch men’s team played its very first international match on 30 April 1905 in and against Belgium. Club-level women’s football in the Netherlands began in 1955. A year later, the Dutch women’s team played its first international match. When it comes to football, the Netherlands has one of the best teams in the world. Based on the situation in June 2022, FIFA (the world football association) positioned the women’s national team in fourth place in the FIFA rankings, and the men’s team in eighth place. The women became European champions in 2017 and vice-world champions in 2019. The men became European champions in 1988 and vice-world champions in 1974, 1978 and 2010. The basis for the Dutch school with the 4-3-3 formation was laid by Ernst Happel from Feyenoord and Rinus Michels from Ajax and the Dutch national team at the end of the 1960s. The most famous national coach in women’s football is Sarina Wiegman, who managed the Dutch women’s team from 2017 to 2021. The names of star players like Marco van Basten, Johan Cruyff, Lieke Martens and Vivian Miedema are known across the world. [PostNL issued a stamp for Cruyff in 2017, one year after his death.]

The stamps featured on the Typically Dutch – Football stamp sheet show an illustration of a footballer in action. With her eyes on the ball, the player moves their right leg backwards to prepare for a shot. In the background, you see a round shape intersected by a horizontal line, symbolising the centre circle of a football pitch. The bottom of each stamp has a white strip containing the sorting hook, the year 2022, the country (Netherlands) and the denomination (1). Both the ball and the heel of the left shoe run into this strip slightly. The same is happening with the footballer’s ponytail in the white strip at the top. The logo for the Typically Dutch series is printed above each stamp, with a folded Dutch banner on the left and right. The picture is repeated in enlarged form on the edge of the sheet. The dominant colour yellow continues on the two tabs on the right. The Typically Dutch logo appears once more on the top edge of the sheet, while the bottom edge features a short explanatory text.

According to graphic designer Claire Bedon, the sportsman on the stamp epitomises a professional footballer – someone who runs up and shoots the ball, perhaps taking a free kick or penalty shoot. ‘She radiates strength and is relaxed at the same time. Her strength can be seen in the upper legs and her relaxation is shown in her open hands and the balance she seeks by spreading her arms. It’s obvious that she knows exactly what she’s doing. She has already visualised the shot, and she is about to shoot and score.

This issue is the last in this year’s Typically Dutch series.

Technical Details:
Postage stamp dimensions: 30 x 40 mm:
Sheet size: 170 x 122 mm
Paper: normal with phosphor print
Gum: gummed
Printing technique: offset
Printing colours: cyan, magenta, yellow, black and orange
Print run: 75,000 sheets
Appearance: sheet of 6 stamps in 6 identical designs
Design: Edwin van Praet and Claire Bedon, Total Design, Amsterdam
Printing company: Cartor Security Printers, Meaucé-La Loupe, France
Item number: 420762

Available on the PostNL webshop.

Transformers (UK 2022)

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[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Royal Mail Issue Transformers Special Stamps That Are ‘More Than Meets The Eye’

  • Eight stamps in the main set are produced in pairs, featuring original illustrations of an Autobot and Decepticon locked in a battle, in retro Generation One style from the 1980s
  • Featured on the stamps are: Optimus Prime; Megatron; Bumblebee; Starscream; Grimlock; Shockwave; Arcee; and Soundwave
  • The exclusive illustrations were created for Royal Mail by three established British comic artists: Andrew Wildman (pencils); Stephen Baskerville (inks); and John-Paul Bove (colours) who have all contributed to The Transformers comic series
  • Each of the main eight stamps are printed with UV ink which reveal hidden details about the characters when shone under UV light
  • In addition, each of the eight stamps have a unique Augmented Reality animation which, when scanned on the Royal Mail App, brings the stamp to life and includes a clip from the original animated Transformers TV series
  • A further five stamps, presented in a miniature sheet, feature the Dinobots; Grimlock; Snarl; Slug; Sludge; and Swoop
  • The stamps are available to pre-order now at www.royalmail.com/transformers and by phone on 03457 641 641
  • The stamps go on general sale on 1 September, with the Presentation Pack, containing all 13 stamps, priced at £17.50

Royal Mail has announced the launch of a set of 13 Special Stamps being issued to celebrate the British contribution to the globally successful, Transformers, animated franchise.

The main set of eight stamp designs, are produced in pairs and feature original illustrations of an Autobot and Decepticon locked in a battle, in retro Generation One style from the 1980s.

Featured on the stamps are: Optimus Prime; Megatron; Bumblebee; Starscream; Grimlock; Shockwave; Arcee; and Soundwave.

The images were created exclusively for Royal Mail by three established, British comic artists: Andrew Wildman (pencils); Stephen Baskerville (inks); and John-Paul Bove (colours) – who have all contributed to The Transformers comic series.

The main eight stamps are printed with a hidden ink which reveals each of the character’s faction logos and names in the Cybertronian alphabet when shone under UV light.

In addition, fans who download the Royal Mail App, can scan the stamp, and watch a unique Augmented Reality animation including a clip from the original animated Transformers TV series.

A further five stamps, presented in a miniature sheet, feature the Dinobots; Grimlock; Snarl; Slug; Sludge; and Swoop.Matt Parkes, Director of Stamps and Collectibles, Royal Mail, said: ‘Since The Transformers burst onto the scene in 1984, British writers and artists have made a substantial contribution to the ongoing story of the popular warring mechanoids; to this day many continue to do so and have inspired new artists to do the same. We are delighted to be able to celebrate their work with this stunning set of stamps – which calls back not only to the early comics but also – by using the Royal Mail App to trigger hidden content – the original cartoon series as well!.”

The Transformers:
The Transformers – alien robots who can change into vehicles, machinery and weapons – first appeared in toy shops and on TV screens in 1984. Nearly 40 years on, thanks to the addition of comic books, computer games and movies, the likes of Optimus Prime and Megatron have become pop-culture titans.

The story of the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons has been told in many different ways, but the core premise is usually the same: a deadly civil war engulfs the distant metal planet of Cybertron and eventually spreads to Earth. Key to the warring mechanoids’ success in the UK and Ireland was Marvel UK’s The Transformers comic, which told an epic seven-year story across 332 issues.

As well as launching the careers of British writers and artists, such as Simon Furman, Geoff Senior and Andrew Wildman, ‘TFUK’ inspired fans to follow in their footsteps – with James Roberts, Nick Roche and Jack Lawrence continuing to expand the mythos, establish the definitive origin of the Transformers and reinvent the Robots in Disguise for the 21st century with characters and concepts that endure to this day.

The stamps are available to pre-order now at www.royalmail.com/transformers and by phone on 03457 641 641. The stamps go on general sale on 1 September, with the Presentation Pack, containing all 13 stamps, priced at £17.50.

The Royal Mail first day covers:The first-day postmarks:

More detailed Canadian Stamp Program Here?

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Vintage Carousels (Canada 2022)

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Issue Date 21 July

Day-of-Issue press release:
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Fun and fanciful new stamps celebrate Canada’s vintage carousels
Five unique, historic carousels featured in whimsical stamp set

CALGARY – Today, Canada Post released an enchanting set of stamps to celebrate the wonder and playfulness of vintage carousels in Canada.

The vibrant stamps spotlight five historic carousels located across the country. The featured carousels are each known for their elaborately carved and beautifully painted animals. They also showcase the craftsmanship and mechanical ingenuity that were impressive for their era.

Dating back to the 12th century, carousels were originally used as a military training game. By the mid-19th century, they had evolved into the beloved fairground ride that remains a nostalgic staple of amusement parks to this day.

The stamp set features these five carousels:

Lakeside Park Carousel (Lakeside Park, St. Catharines, Ontario)
Built by Kremer’s Carousel Works circa 1903, this impressively large carousel boasts 68 animals and four chariots in four rows – and today still costs only a nickel to ride.

Bowness Carousel (Heritage Park Historical Village, Calgary, Alberta)
Built by Herschell-Spillman Co. in 1904, this is a very rare three-row track machine, where the horses’ rocking motion comes from eccentric drive wheels under the platform.

C.W. Parker Carousel No. 119 (Burnaby Village Museum, Burnaby, British Columbia)
Built in 1912 and now fully restored, this carousel features 36 jumping horses, four stationary horses, a chariot and music provided by a 1925 Wurlitzer band organ.

Roseneath Carousel (Roseneath Fairgrounds, Roseneath, Ontario)
Built by C.W. Parker in 1906, this was originally a portable carnival carousel. It is the only Canadian carousel to receive the National Carousel Association (U.S.) Historic Carousel Award – in 2010.

Le Galopant (La Ronde, Montréal, Quebec)
Built circa 1885 in Belgium, this was originally a travelling carousel powered by steam. It made its first Canadian appearance at Expo 67.

About the stamps
The stamps are designed by Paprika and feature illustrations by René Milot. Printed by Colour Innovations, each stamp depicts one animal from each of the featured carousels, with the location indicated at the bottom. The stamp issue is cancelled in Calgary, home of the Bowness Carousel at Heritage Park Historical Village. The cancellation is inspired by midway ride tickets. The stamp issue includes a booklet of 10 Permanent™ domestic rate stamps (the booklet [left] is designed in the style of traditional circus, midway advertising posters), a souvenir sheet of five stamps, an Official First Day Cover and a set of five postcards.

[en Francais pour les médias d’information]
De nouveaux timbres amusants célèbrent des carrousels d’époque
Un jeu de cinq vignettes fantaisistes présente des carrousels uniques.

CALGARY – Aujourd’hui, Postes Canada a émis un jeu de timbres enchanteur pour célébrer la joie et l’émerveillement créés par les carrousels d’époque au Canada.

Les timbres hauts en couleur illustrent cinq carrousels historiques de différents endroits au pays. Les carrousels en vedette sont connus pour leurs magnifiques animaux sculptés et peints. Ils mettent également en valeur le savoir-faire et l’ingéniosité mécanique qui étaient impressionnants à l’époque.

Remontant au XIIe siècle, les carrousels servent à l’origine de jeux d’entraînement militaire. Au milieu du XIXe siècle, ils deviennent le manège bien-aimé des foires et demeurent aujourd’hui un élément nostalgique incontournable des parcs d’attractions.

Le jeu de timbres met en vedette cinq carrousels :

Carrousel Lakeside Park (Lakeside Park, St. Catharines, Ontario)
Construit par Kremer’s Carousel Works vers 1903, ce carrousel d’une taille impressionnante compte 68 animaux et 4 chars disposés en 4 rangées. Encore aujourd’hui, en faire un tour ne coûte que 5 cents.

Carrousel Bowness (Heritage Park Historical Village, Calgary, Alberta)
Construit en 1904 par Herschell-Spillman Co., ce rare modèle est doté de trois rangées de rails, et les chevaux oscillent grâce à des roues motrices excentriques sous la plateforme.

Carrousel C.W. Parker no 119 (Burnaby Village Museum, Burnaby, Colombie-Britannique)
Construit en 1912 et entièrement restauré depuis, il compte 36 chevaux sauteurs, 4 chevaux fixes et 1 char. Il tourne au son d’un orgue Wurlitzer de 1925.

Carrousel Roseneath (Roseneath Fairgrounds, Roseneath, Ontario)
Construit en 1906 par C.W. Parker, c’est à l’origine un carrousel de fête foraine. En 2010, la National Carousel Association (États-Unis) lui décerne un prix Historic Carousel Award, un honneur qu’il est le seul à obtenir au Canada.

Le Galopant (La Ronde, Montréal, Québec)
Fabriqué en Belgique vers 1885, ce carrousel, itinérant à l’époque, fonctionne à la vapeur. Il fait sa première apparition au Canada dans le cadre d’Expo 67.

À propos des timbres
Les timbres ont été conçus par la maison Paprika et illustrés par René Milot. Imprimé par Colour Innovations, chaque timbre est orné d’un animal du carrousel auquel il est consacré, et le lieu est indiqué au bas de la vignette. L’émission est oblitérée à Calgary, où se trouvent l’Heritage Park Historical Village et le carrousel Bowness. Le cachet est inspiré des coupons pour les manèges des parcs d’attractions. L’émission comprend un carnet de 10 timbres PermanentsMC au tarif du régime intérieur (le carnet reprend le style des affiches publicitaires traditionnelles des cirques), un bloc-feuillet de cinq timbres, un pli Premier Jour officiel et un jeu de cinq cartes postales.

[from Canada Post’s Details philatelic catalogue] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]

Can you smell the cotton candy? Do you hear the barkers in the midway daring you to test your game skills? This five-stamp issue featuring vintage carousels from across Canada is designed to bring you back to the summer fun of your youth.

From their origins as a military training game in the 12th century, carousels had evolved by the mid-19th century to the mechanically powered fairground ride we still enjoy today. The five carousels featured, with their elaborately carved and painted animals and cheery band organ music, demonstrate both high artisan craftsmanship and impressive technological advances for their era.

The Lakeside Park Carousel, residing at Lakeside Park, in St. Catharines, Ontario, since 1921, still costs only a nickel to ride.

A rare three-row track machine, the Bowness Carousel arrived at the Heritage Park Historical Village, in Calgary, Alberta, in 1969.

Arriving in Canada in 1936, the C.W. Parker Carousel No. 119 has been a popular attraction at the Burnaby Village Museum, in Burnaby, British Columbia, since 1993.

The only Canadian carousel to receive the National Carousel Association Historic Carousel Award (in 2010), the Roseneath Carousel has been the pride of the Roseneath Fairgrounds, in Roseneath, Ontario, since 1932.

Le Galopant has been entertaining guests at La Ronde amusement park in Montréal, Quebec, since 2007. Originally powered by steam, the late 19th-century Belgian carousel first arrived in Canada to be part of Expo 67.

The issue was designed by Paprika and illustrated by René Milot in a whimsical style reminiscent of turn-of-the-century carnival and circus posters.

The souvenir sheet:The booklet pane:The Official First Day Cover:

Israel Applauds Roe v. Wade Decision? (2022)

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[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
New Israel Post Issue Honors Life
Israel Post, the official postal service for the State of Israel, will issue a new set of postage stamps in July 2022 celebrating the beauty and sanctity of life. Four separate sheets of stamps, each featuring inspiring quotes and special artwork designed exclusively for this landmark issue, combine to create a spectacular commemorative that will have wide appeal throughout the world.

The four different sheets contain either nine or 12 pairs of stamps. One of each pair depicts the blue Star of David from the Israeli flag and the inscription “ISRAEL,” while the other shows artwork representing the stages of life of an unborn child.

This special philatelic issue is inspired by the extraordinary events in the United States surrounding abortion rights. In late June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that protected a woman’s right to abortion. The momentous Supreme Court ruling affects access to abortion in the United States and will drastically change the political and cultural landscape.

At this pivotal time in history, Israel Post continues its ongoing effort to support human rights. These stamps are powerful reminders that the world has a responsibility to care for all people and to protect them at all stages of life, from conception to death.

The colorful stamp sheets are printed and issued by Israel Post using the same precision techniques and same specialized paper and perforating as official postage stamps released for the State of Israel.

What makes these sheets unique and more highly collectible is that they also feature profound quotes from respected religious and historical leaders: Maimonides, the medieval Jewish philosopher and scholar; the sainted Mother Teresa; and U.S. Presidents John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan, each of whom was a proponent for the family and who believed that children are a gift from God.

The stamp sheets are issued in limited quantities and make the perfect addition to any stamp collection. They will be available for purchase by the general public beginning in July 2022. Stamp collectors and other enthusiasts can acquire them from their local stamp dealers or directly from IGPC, the official Israel Post Agent in the United States.

“Stamps have always had the unique ability to bridge the divides and bring people together,” said Sam Malamud, President of IGPC. “These special sheets convey a simple message that life is precious. It is an issue that appeals equally to stamp collectors and all human beings across all social, political, and racial lines.”

Elhanan Shapira, Director of Philatelic Services for Israel Post, noted that, “We are delighted to once again work with the world’s largest philatelic agency, Inter-Governmental Philatelic Corp., to help promote the hobby of stamp collecting to the masses. This special stamp issue brings to the forefront a matter of public interest that affects all humanity. We are pleased to be part of this global concern.”

Stamp collectors and enthusiasts will be sure to add these significant stamps to their collection and are able to purchase these stamp sheets from the local Post Offices of the issuing government or from their local stamp dealer. Additionally, stamps are available directly from the IGPC website at www.igpc.com.

Note: We do not have a date of issue, nor an answer whether these are ATM labels/personalized postage or stamps.

Gay Pride Rally 50th Anniversary (UK 2022)

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[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Celebrating 50 Years of Pride:
Royal Mail Issues a Set of Eight Stamps to Mark the Anniversary of the UK‘s First Gay Pride Rally In 1972

  • The vibrantly illustrated stamps tell a story of Pride over time, beginning with the first ‘Gay Pride rally’
  • The stamps will be issued on 1 July, exactly 50 years to the day that the march that took place from Trafalgar Square to Hyde Park
  • The stamps, specially commissioned by Royal Mail, were art directed by NB Studio and illustrated by award-winning artist Sofie Birkin
  • Royal Mail worked with journalist and published author Amelia Abraham on the stamp issue and also consulted with Royal Mail’s internal LGBT & Friends Network
  • An exclusive animation based on the stamps has been created by the stamp designers, NB Studio, and animation studio, Animade
  • The stamps are available to order  at
    www.royalmail.com/pride and by phone on 03457 641 641. They went on general sale on 1 July, with the Presentation Pack, containing all eight stamps priced at £12.10

Royal Mail this past Friday issued a new set of eight, vibrantly illustrated stamps, being issued to mark the 50thanniversary of the UK’s first Pride rally that took place on 1 July 1972.

Issued exactly 50 years to the day, the stamps celebrate the march that took place from Trafalgar Square to Hyde Park, which was the first to bear the name ‘Gay Pride Rally’. The march was inspired by events in the USA, where the first Pride events had taken place to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall riots in New York.

The stamps, specially commissioned by Royal Mail, were art directed by NB Studio and illustrated by award-winning artist Sofie Birkin. Her illustrations have featured in campaigns for brands such as Nike and Apple.

Royal Mail worked with journalist and published author Amelia Abraham on the stamp issue and also consulted with Royal Mail’s internal LGBT & Friends Network.
Beginning in 1972, the stamps tell a story of Pride over time. They depict the first ‘Gay Pride rally’ and early Pride events where participants shouted slogans such as, “Gay is fun! Gay is proud! Gay is beautiful!”, to the more recent update on the traditional rainbow flag, its design encompassing the flags of trans and intersex people, while also referencing the inclusion of LGBTQ+ people of colour.

David Gold, Director External Affairs & Policy, Royal Mail said: “The vibrant, colourful Pride events that take place in towns and cities across the UK today trace their origins to a small number of people who marched through central London half a century ago to raise awareness of discrimination and inequality. There have been huge changes in laws and social attitudes, but Pride events continue to play a key role in raising awareness of discrimination, as well as celebrating diversity and individualism.”

Pride animation:
The designers of the stamps, NB Studio, have, in collaboration with animation studio, Animade, created a film using the illustrations featured in the stamp issue:

The film builds on the diverse and beautiful characters featured on the stamps and draws them together using rich storytelling throughout – which uses complex hand-drawn, frame by frame animation.

NB Studio selected Animade to bring Sofie Birkin’s illustrations to life – assisted by NB Studio’s writer Dan Radley, sound engineers Box of Toys and voice actor Layton Williams.

Alan Dye, Creative Director at and owner of NB Studio, said “It was a real honour to be asked to design this iconic series for The Royal Mail, as they represent such an important part of British LGBTQ+ history. It was an absolute joy to work with Sofie Birkin who’s work we’ve admired for some time. Watching these beautiful illustrations come to life you could easily imagine yourself as part of the ‘March Through Time…’.

Jennifer Judd, co-founder and Managing Director at Animade, said: “This was a joyous project for Animade to be part of and gave us an opportunity as part of our creative industry to do something beautiful to celebrate Pride and the diverse LGBTQ+ community. Animation adds an extra narrative dimension, which helped to bring this important project for Royal Mail to life.”

Pride in the UK from 1972 to the present:
On 1 July 1972, a crowd of people gathered in London’s Trafalgar Square before marching to Hyde Park. This was not the first march for LGBTQ+ rights in the UK; similar protests had taken place in Highbury Fields, Islington, in 1970, and another in Trafalgar Square in 1971. But it was the first with the name ‘Gay Pride Rally’. The inspiration came from the USA, where the first Pride events had taken place to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall riots, the 1969 clash between the LGBTQ+ community and police in New York City. The spirit of Pride was one of defiant visibility. At London’s first event there was even a ‘kiss-in’ – a mass display of same-sex affection, while people at early Pride events chanted slogans such as, “Gay is fun! Gay is proud! Gay is beautiful!”

One of their demands was greater legal equality for gay people. Homosexuality was partially decriminalised in England and Wales in 1967, yet police arrests of gay and bisexual men remained common in the years following. Over the course of the first decade of Pride events, calls for basic safety and freedom were a priority; during Gay Pride Week in 1978, pamphlets were distributed to raise awareness of violent assaults on the LGBTQ+ community, such as the National Front’s then recent attack on the popular South London LGBTQ+ venue the Royal Vauxhall Tavern.

During the 1980s, an increased climate of homophobia in the wake of the AIDS epidemic meant that attacks on LGBTQ+ people in the UK continued. The health crisis also sparked new Pride events, such as Manchester Pride, which began as an AIDS fundraiser.

Throughout the 1990s, Pride spread across the UK. Pride Scotia launched in Scotland, with annual marches alternating between Edinburgh and Glasgow, and the first Cardiff Pride followed in 1999. In the 2000s, attendance at Pride in London grew alongside increasing support for LGBTQ+ rights, and more events were launched under the Pride banner. In 2002, same-sex couples won the right to adopt; two years later, same-sex civil partnerships were legalised.

In 2013, an even more historic shift took place when the law was changed to allow same-sex marriage. The following year, Pride began to attract large corporate sponsorships, signalling its increased mainstream acceptance. By 2015, Pride in London, as it was now known, attracted a million people, and it continued to grow in the years following, until Pride celebrations had to be cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Today, Pride in London remains the main event in the UK, though many others are flourishing across the country.

The stamps are available to pre-order from today (23 June) www.royalmail.com/pride, by phone on 03457 641 641 and at 7,000 Post Offices across the UK. They go on general sale on 1 July. A Presentation Pack, containing all eight stamps, is priced at £12.96

Freddie Mercury’s childhood stamp album to be displayed at London’s Postal Museum:
The Postal Museum in London is to display one of Freddie Mercury’s childhood possessions – his stamp album – for the first time. (Part of one page is shown on the right.)

The album will be on display in the museum from 13 July until 30 October this year and is part of the celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the UK Pride movement. The 54-page album consists predominately of stamps from the British Commonwealth and reveals not only Freddie’s early life in Zanzibar, but also his artistic talent.

<ore information on the exhibition is here. For information on the museum in general, go to www.postalmuseum.org/visit-us/

•

Philatelic products offered by Royal Mail include an official first day cover (above), set of eight postcards (above), and, for £1,095 (about US$1,323.50), a gold-coin first day cover (below):

Experience Nature – Mount Saint Peter (Netherlands 2022)

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[from a PostNL press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Experience Nature – Mount Saint Peter

Date of issue: 13 June 2022
Appearance: sheet of ten stamps in ten different designs
Item number: 420661
Design: Frank Janse, Gouda
Photography: Buiten-Beeld

On 13 June 2022, PostNL will publish the Experience nature – Mount Saint Peter issue: a sheet of ten stamps in ten different designs. The denomination on these stamps is ‘1’, the denomination for items weighing up to 20 g destined for the Netherlands. The stamp sheet about Mount Saint Peter is part of the multi-annual Experience nature 2021-2023 series. In the series, four stamp sheets are issued every year, each comprising ten different stamps. The stamps feature images of plants and animals in unique Dutch nature reserves across the country. In 2022, it is the turn of the provinces of Zeeland, Zuid-Holland, Limburg and Gelderland.

The issue of 13 June 2022 focuses on the chalk landscape of Mount Saint Peter, located in southern Limburg. The stamp sheets issued earlier this year were about Fort Ellewoutsdijk in Zeeland (3 January 2022) and the Nieuwkoopse Plassen in Zuid-Holland (21 February 2022). Later this year, stamps will be issued featuring the Leuvenum Woods on the Veluwe in Gelderland (15 August 2022).

[The site had been mined extensively for construction materials, especially marl, an ingredient in some types of cement.] The quarry is now being developed as a new nature reserve with rare calcareous slopes. Managing the area is a challenging task. Water is pumped from the quarry day and night, and sheep and goats keep the grass short, alternating with mowers. In summer, the calcareous grasslands are full of rare flowers and herbs that attract numerous species of insects, butterflies and birds. The underground tunnel system in the hill itself is a favourite hibernation spot for bats such as the Natterer’s bat, the pond bat and the whiskered bat. Together with the neighbouring Jeker Valley, Mount Saint Peter has been an official Natura 2000 site since 2013.

The Experience nature – Mount Saint Peter stamps feature the following ten residents of this nature reserve: salad burnet, whiskered bat, comma butterfly, wild marjoram, badger, bee orchid, purple starthistle, Eurasian eagle owl, lords-and-ladies and wood white butterfly. Each has its own stamp. The stamp sheet also features many more images of flora and fauna from this area. Translucent images of these have been incorporated into a separate graphic layer on the stamp sheet: the Eurasian eagle owl (top left), the flowers of the common rock-rose (top right), the Old World swallowtail (centre left), the stalk of the common rock-rose (centre), the pincushion flower (centre under centre) and the fruit of the lords-and-ladies (below left and right). These transparent images continue across the perforations and connect the stamps with each other and the sheet edge.

Technical Details:
Stamp size: 40 x 30mm:
Sheet size: 122 x 170mm
Paper: normal with phosphor print
Glue: self-adhesive
Printing technique: offset
Printing colours: cyan, magenta, yellow and black
Print run: 285,000 sheets
Appearance: sheet of 10 stamps in 10 different designs
Design: Frank Janse, Gouda
Photography: Buiten-Beeld
Printing company: Cartor Security Printers, Meaucé-La Loupe, France
Item number: 420661

King William I 250th Anniv. (Netherlands 2022)

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[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
250th anniversary of the birth of King William I

Date of issue: 20 June 2022
Presentation: sheet of 6 postage stamps in 3 designs,
marked ‘Internationaal 1′, the denomination for items up to 20g in weight destined for delivery outside of the Netherlands.
Item number: 420662
Design: Nicole Uniquole, in collaboration with Graphic Design students from ArtEZ University of the Arts, Zwolle

On 20 June 2022, PostNL will issue the 250th anniversary of the birth of King William I stamp sheet to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of the first king of the House of Orange-Nassau. In addition to portraits of King William I and his wife Wilhelmina of Prussia, the stamps also feature the Fulda city palace. William I ruled over the Principality of Nassau-Orange-Fulda in Germany for several years before becoming king of our country. The six postage stamps will be marked ‘Nederland 1’, the denomination for items weighing up to 20g destined for the Netherlands.

Prince William Frederick (1772-1843), the son of Stadholder William V, ruled over our country as William I, and he was the first king of the house of Orange-Nassau. He was born in the Hague 250 years ago. In 1791, he married Wilhelmina of Prussia. They had five children together, among them the son who later became King William II.

Prince William Frederick ruled as Fürst over Fulda from 1802 to 1806 until the German principality was captured by the French. He returned to his homeland as sovereign in 1813, and in 1815 he was proclaimed King William I of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands (present-day Belgium and the Netherlands). In addition, he was also the Grand Duke of Luxembourg.

He distinguished himself during his reign by upholding the reforms from the French era and making significant investments in industry, trade and the construction of many canals and roads. In 1840, he abdicated and was succeeded by his eldest son. William I died in Berlin in 1843 and his remains were interred in the Royal Crypt in the Nieuwe Kerk in Delft.

The 250th anniversary of the birth of King William I issue features six postage stamps in three different designs. For the monochrome images on the stamps, cut-outs were used from paintings depicting William I (Joseph Paelinck, 1819, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam), his wife Wilhelmina of Prussia (Jean-Baptiste van der Hulst, 1833, Royal Collections, the Hague) and a photograph of the Fulda Palace Castle in Germany (Christian Tech, 1980, Petersberg, Fulda). Next to each image on the stamp and on the right side of the sheet edge there is a collage of Maltese crosses in red, white, blue and orange. The stamps also feature the official monogram of William I twice. The tabs alongside the stamps indicate the international Priority designation along with a description of the image on the stamps. The text on the sheet edge provides background information about King William I, the 250th anniversary of his birth and the anniversary exhibition to be held in Fulda from 18 June to 25 August 2022.

Technical Details:
Stamp size 36 x 25mm
Sheet size 108 x 150mm
Paper normal with phosphor print
Gum gummed
Printing technique offset
Printing colours cyan, magenta, yellow, blue and black
Edition 60,000 sheets
Appearance sheet of 6 stamps in 3 different designs
Design Nicole Uniquole, in collaboration with Graphic Design students from ArtEZ University of the Arts, Zwolle
Printing company Koninklijke Joh. Enschedé B.V., Haarlem
Item number 420662

Cats (UK 2022)

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[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Royal Mail Issues the Purr-Fect Set of Special Stamps

  • The eight-stamp set show cats doing what they do best: grooming; stalking; playing; sleeping; staring; being on alert; being curious; and stretching
  • Cats shown on the stamps are: Siamese; Tabby; Ginger cat; British Shorthair; Maine Coon; Black-and-white cat; Bengal; and a Tabby-and-white
  • Both pedigree breeds and moggies represent the most popular owned cats in the UK
  • There are over 10.2 million cats in the UK. Almost one in four UK households owns a cat* – or a cat owns them
  • It is thought that cats were first domesticated around 10,000 years ago in the Middle East
  • Royal Mail worked with author and animal expert, Tamsin Pickeral, author of The Grace of the Cat: An illustrated History, on the stamp issue
  • The stamps are available at www.royalmail.com/cats, by phone on 03457 641 641 and at 7,000 Post Offices. A Presentation Pack, containing all eight stamps, is priced at £12.96

Royal Mail has launched the purr-fect new set of eight stamps featuring beautiful images of cats doing what they do best.

The images show cats: grooming; stalking; playing; sleeping; staring; being on alert; being curious; and stretching.

Cats shown on the stamps are: Siamese; Tabby; Ginger cat; British Shorthair; Maine Coon; Black-and-white cat; Bengal; and a Tabby-and-white.

The cats include a mix of pedigree breeds and moggies representing some of the most popular owned cats in the UK – each is then shown on the stamps in characteristic behaviour.

Royal Mail worked with author and animal expert, Tamsin Pickeral, author of The Grace of the Cat: An illustrated History on the stamp issue.

Domestic cats have a broad range of language to let their owners know what they do – or don’t want! After birds, they have the widest range of vocalisation of any domestic pet. Some breeds are far chattier than others, for example, the Siamese and Burmese are particularly vocal.

Some amazing cat facts include:

  • Domestic cats share 96% of their genes with tigers
  • Sir Isaac Newton is credited with inventing the cat flap
  • There are over 10.2 million cats in the UK
  • Almost one in four UK households owns a cat* – or a cat owns them
  • The Post Office formally employed cats between 1868 and 1984 to keep out mice
  • Cats have only a few hundred taste buds compared to a human’s 9,000
  • Cats have up to 200 million odour-sensitive cells in their noses, compared to humans who have just 5 million
  • Cats also have a ‘second nose’, the vomeronasal scent organ, located on the roof of their mouth, which is able to detect pheromones

A brief history of the cat:
It is thought that cats were first domesticated around 10,000 years ago in the Middle East. This coincided with the establishment of settlements and farming, and the subsequent rise of the rodent. Genetic analysis confirms the domestic cat is a descendent of the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica), a native of that area.

The earliest evidence of the human–cat relationship is a grave in Cyprus of an adult human and a kitten carefully placed together, thought to date from around 9,500 years ago. Fast forward to ancient Egypt, some 4,000 years ago, and cats appear frequently in artworks depicting domestic settings. They were associated with the Goddess Isis and her daughter Bastet. These depictions show a striking similarity to the modern Egyptian Mau.

Cats spread through Greece and Rome, transported on grain ships to keep mice at bay, and with the expansion of the Roman Empire they were soon to be found across Europe and the British Isles. These short-haired cats are believed to be the ancestor of the British Shorthair. Just as cats were populating the West, they were also spreading eastwards as trade routes opened with the Far East.

Cats were highly valued for their rodent control, but it was their enigmatic nature that led to their reverence as magical beings and association with myths and legends – particularly in China, Japan, India and Persia (modern-day Iran). It was here that the Persian breed evolved with its thick coat to keep out the biting cold.

The Middle Ages in Europe was a dark period for the cat. As Christianity rose, their links to pagan religions and misplaced associations with magic and witchcraft saw them being systematically culled. Unsurprisingly, there was simultaneously a huge increase in rat-borne plagues, culminating in the Black Death, which is thought to have killed up to 60 per cent of Europe’s population.

Cats were on board the first ships sailing to the New World from England in the 1620s; these hardy creatures were most likely the ancestors of today’s Maine Coon and American Shorthair. By the 18th century, the fortunes of cats changed forever, and they were favoured by literati like Byron, Keats and Sir Walter Scott.

By the time of the inaugural cat show in London’s Crystal Palace in 1871, there were Russian Blues, Abyssinians, Persians, Siamese and Angoras in the country alongside British Shorthair and Manx. The show proved a great success and was a key moment in modern cat history, followed closely by the establishment of a number of cat clubs and finally, in 1910, by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF), which took over as the sole registry for pure-bred cats in Britain.

David Gold, Director External Affairs & Policy, Royal Mail, said: “These beautiful stamps showing cats being cats, show why as a nation, we are besotted with them. Their enchanting, independent and quirky ways are perfectly captured in these images that all animal lovers will adore.”

The stamps are available now at www.royalmail.com/cats and by phone on 03457 641 641, with a Presentation Pack, containing all eight stamps, priced at £12.96.

*Source: PDSA UK pet populations of dogs, cats and rabbits 2021

Shown below: The official first day cover and the “collectors sheet.”

Governor General’s Foot Guards envelope (Canada 2022)

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Governor General’s Foot Guards envelope, 150th anniversary
Issue date: 7 June

From Canada Post’s Details philatelic catalogue:

The Governor General’s Foot Guards have participated in every engagement undertaken by the Canadian Army since Confederation, served abroad as peacekeepers, and provided emergency assistance to communities at home. Known for their scarlet tunics and tall bearskin caps – seen in ceremonies, on sentries and at regimental band performances – the Guards’ citizen soldiers have served with precision, pageantry and pride for 150 years.