[press release]
Royal Mail Reveals 2019 Christmas Special Stamps

• The six 2019 Christmas stamps depict scenes from the Biblical story of the Nativity from the Annunciation, the journey of the Magi and the birth of Jesus Christ
• Royal Mail’s 2019 Christmas stamps have been created by the talented duo and paper-cut artists Hari & Deepti. Based on a fusion of intricate paper-art and lighting, their work brings to life the magical story of Christmas with imaginative story-telling
• The tradition of sending Christmas cards was established in the UK in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole, when just 1,000 of them were produced
• Help Royal Mail’s postmen and women deliver this year’s festive mail by posting early this Christmas and using the postcode
• The stamps are on sale from 5 November 2019. They will be available at www.royalmail.com/christmas2019, by phone on 03457 641 641 and in 7,000 Post Offices across the UK

The six stamp designs depict scenes from the Biblical story of the Nativity, from the Annunciation, the journey of the Magi and the birth of Jesus Christ.

The stamps were created by the talented duo and paper-cut artists, Hari & Deepti.

Using layers of intricate paper and light-boxes, they create three-dimensional scenes and creations that bring magical stories to life. Their atmospheric work has been exhibited internationally.

Available in 1st Class, 2nd Class, Large letter rates and overseas values, the stamps are available from today at www.royalmail.com/christmas2019, by calling 03457 641641 and from 7,000 Post Office branches across the UK.

The History of Christmas Cards
The tradition of sending Christmas cards was established in 1843, with the introduction of the world’s first commercially produced Christmas cards. The cards were commissioned by Sir Henry Cole, who just three years earlier had played a key role in helping to introduce Royal Mail’s Penny Post service. Only 1,000 of these cards were printed and sold for a shilling each. This meant that they were a luxury item and were not affordable for most people.

One of the original 1,000 cards sent is also the most valuable in the world, according to Guinness World Records. The card, which was originally sent by Sir Henry Cole to his grandmother in 1843, was sold at an auction in Devizes, Wiltshire for £20,000 on 24 November 2001.