Royal Mail

The art of stamp design

Stamp design
Editorial design
Art direction
Tone of voice

Client

Royal Mail is the primary postal service for the UK. With more than 500 years of history, it originated as the exclusive postal service for King Henry VIII and his Court.

Brief

For over a century, Royal Mail has produced a wide range of stamps and collectibles, including special stamp issues for collectors and for everyday use. The brief for each of these issues is to celebrate various aspects of British history, culture, and current events. In addition to the stamps, the brief often includes the creation of related collectibles to complement the theme and appeal to collectors. Collectibles include presentation packs, first day covers, framed stamps and postcards.

Solution

As one of our most established and enduring client partnerships, Rose has designed or art directed 26 special stamps sets and collectibles for Royal Mail to commemorate or celebrate a wide range of themes or landmark events in British culture. These include the World Wildlife Fund, Fire and Rescue Services, 200 years of the Royal Horticultural Society, 250 years of the British Museum and the Royal Mail Christmas stamps.

Results

Royal Mail stamps reach over 230 countries and territories around the world. Stamp collecting has often been affectionately called ‘the hobby of kings and the king of hobbies’. The Association of British Philatelic Societies estimates that more than 1 million people in Great Britain collect stamps.

Royal Mail

The art of stamp design

Client

Brief

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