Beloved bear’s TV series and cartoon strip immortalised in Royal Mail’s latest set
A right royal bear has been immortalised in a new set of stamps revealed yesterday, 24 August, showing Paddington up to his usual antics and with his signature marmalade sandwiches.
Celebrating 65 years of the beloved character, Royal Mail is issuing 10 stamps, with six illustrations taken from Ivor Wood’s cartoon strip originally published in the London Evening News in the late 70s, and the other four from his first animated TV series.
The latest in the Royal Mail’s Special Stamps series, following the Terry Pratchett’s Discworld set that was issued on 10 August, features the Peruvian bear who first appeared in Michael Bond’s book A Bear Called Paddington in 1958 – Peggy Fortnum’s original illustrations are available exclusively through Museums & Galleries on greeting cards and stationery.
In 1975 illustrator, animator and writer Ivor was instrumental in transforming Paddington from a literary character into a star of the small screen.
Working with animation company FilmFair, Ivor designed and directed the first Paddington television series for the BBC, and the four stamps presented in a miniature sheet capture scenes from this.
With stamps now bearing King Charles III’s silhouette, the bear who was the star of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations has already had the honour of being on Her Majesty’s stamps as he was part of the set released by Royal Mail in 2014 to celebrate 60 years of children’s television programmes, and was also included in a 1994 set.
“Paddington continues to bring cheer to generations of children worldwide,” commented David Gold, director of external affairs and policy at Royal Mail. “These delightful stamps will brighten up the day of anyone receiving mail with a touch of Paddington’s charm.”
Rachel Clarke, svp licensing and retail UK at licensing agent The Copyrights Group which represents Paddington – now also a star of the the big screen with two blockbbuster movies to his name – added: “Paddington is a real heritage brand with a modern hero and we are delighted to be partnering with Royal Mail to celebrate 65 years since Michael Bond first introduced us to the beloved bear.”
The stamps are available to pre-order now and will go on general sale on 5 September. There will also be a Presentation Pack including all 10 stamps in the set.
