First Christmas Stamps
Britain lagged behind other parts of the world in issuing special stamps for Christmas. But why? After all, the world's first-ever stamp - the Penny Black - was a British innovation. To some extent, the Penny Black could be to blame...
With the iconic Penny Black, the Post Office made the head of the monarch the dominant feature of British stamp design for more than a hundred years. It was felt to be impossible to do justice to a representation of the birth of Christ on a stamp, and maintain the monarch's dominance.
When Tony Benn became Postmaster General in 1964, he decided that Christmas stamps should finally be issued in Britain, using the concept of the smaller silhouette of the Queen's head also developed around that time.
Tony Benn also ordered a competition to have the Christmas stamps designed by children, and you can see the winners on this page. There is 'King Wenceslas' by Tasveer Shemza (aged 6) and 'Snowman' by James Berry (aged 6). The stamps were issued in 1966.
- Illustrations
King Wenceslas by Tasveer Shemza
Snowman by James Berry
You may also be interested in...
David Gentleman Design
An introduction to one of Britain's most eminent designer-artists
Includes Gentleman's wood engravings, stamp designs, book and magazine covers and illustrations, posters, and more.
Post Early Stamp Sheet
A limited edition stamp sheet featuring Post Early posters
This stamp sheet focuses on the "Post Early for Christmas" poster campaigns of the 1930s to 1960s.
Stamp Design
Ever wondered how British stamps are designed?
Read our overview of how topics for stamps are chosen, and how stamps are designed and approved for printing.
