[press release]
Postage stamps illustrate 220 years
From a traditional postal service to a logistics e-commerce service provider
The Hague, 24 January 2019. All local postal services in our country were nationalised in January 1799, 220 years ago. PostNL, the successor to these postal services, honours this special jubilee with the issuance of the 220 Years of Postal Service postage stamp sheet.
Three-dimensional effect
The 220 Years of Postal Service postage stamp sheet combines the classic PTT red with dark blue and two shades of orange. A striking UV coating was applied as an extra layer. The shimmer creates a festive, but also three-dimensional effect.
From conveyor belt to festive garland
The designers, Haico Beukers and Marga Scholma from Haarlem, illustrated the postal company’s history on the postage stamp sheet, based on the movement volume of letters and parcels. Marga Scholma: ‘You can also view the design as a conveyor belt in a sorting centre, which moves the post from left to right. I know that the flow is, in fact, separate, but as a designer, you have some leeway. The alternating use of colour and the block pattern on the postage stamp sheet also makes it look like a festive garland. After all, a jubilee gives cause for celebration.’
Proud of the history
Stephan van den Eijnden, Commercial Director of PostNL, is just as proud of the new postage stamp as he is of the company’s history. ‘Of course, so much has happened over 220 years. Our company’s name has also undergone frequent changes: from Post & Telegrammen in 1799 to the current PostNL. But, regardless of our name, we want to continue to be valuable to our customers. This also applies now that PostNL is transforming from a traditional postal service into a postal and logistics e-commerce service provider.
Availability
The 220 Years of Postal Service postage stamp sheet consists of 2 stamps with 2 designs, all marked with Nederland 1, the denomination for mail weighing up to 20 g destined for the Netherlands. The stamps are available as of 24 January 2019 from the post office counter in Bruna stores and online via www.postnl.nl/bijzondere-postzegels. You can also order the stamps by phone from the Collect Club customer service on telephone number +31 (0)88 – 868 99 00. The validity period is indefinite.
