[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Children’s Classic, The Chronicles Of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, Celebrated With a Set of Special Stamps

• Issue date: 22 May
• The main set of eight stamps features illustrations specially commissioned by Royal Mail and depict key scenes from all seven fantasy novels
• A further four stamps presented in a miniature sheet, show artwork by Pauline Baynes, illustrator of the original seven volumes of the series
• The stamps and a range of collectible products are available at www.royalmail.com/narnia and by telephone on 03457 641641

Royal Mail has revealed images of 12 stamps being issued to mark The Chronicles of Narnia, the series of seven fantasy novels written by British author C.S. Lewis. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the publication of the first book in the series, the timeless classic, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

The Chronicles of Narnia is considered a classic of children’s literature and is Lewis’s best-selling work, having sold 120 million copies in 47 languages. The series has also been adapted for radio, television, the stage, film, and video games.

The main set of eight stamps features illustrations specially commissioned for Royal Mail by British illustrator, Keith Robinson. They depict key scenes from each of the novels. Robinson specialises in book covers and narrative illustration for children’s publishing. His art has appeared in picture books, young fiction, educational and non-fiction books. His paintings and drawings are often of fantasy, mythological, fairytale, horror and historical subjects.

A further four stamps presented in a miniature sheet, show artwork by Pauline Baynes, illustrator of the original seven volumes of the series.

The books are set in the fictional world of Narnia, a magical realm inhabited by talking animals, mythical creatures, and various fantastical beings. Books in the series, in order of publication, are: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (1950). Prince Caspian (1951), The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1952), The Silver Chair (1953), The Horse and His Boy (1954), The Magician’s Nephew (1955) and The Last Battle (1956), Illustrated by Pauline Baynes (1922-2008). They remain among the most popular classics of children’s literature.

David Gold, Director of External Affairs and Policy, Royal Mail, said: “These delightful stamps capture the timeless magic of Narnia and honour the enduring legacy of the books. The Chronicles of Narnia remain a perennial favourite of children around the world, so it is fitting that we celebrate the stories with a new set of stamps featuring newly commissioned artwork alongside artwork that will bring back fond memories for many who grew up with these great books.”

A Presentation Pack including all 12 stamps is priced at £20.70. The stamps are on sale from 22 May.