Royal Mail Honors Paddington Bear’s 65th With Marmalade-Sweet Anniversary Stamps
By Mikelle Leow, 24 Aug 2023
Images via Royal Mail
He had tea with the Queen. Now, he’s fronting stamps alongside her successor, King Charles III.
For the 65th birthday of Paddington, the marmalade-adoring bear who has captured hearts across generations, the Royal Mail has presented a nostalgic collection of 10 Special Stamps that pay tribute to his timeless charm.
At the center of this stamp series are six snapshots drawn from the renowned strip cartoons of Paddington, originally penned by Ivor Wood. These endearing chronicles made their debut in the London Evening News newspaper during the late 1970s, embedding the character’s endearing escapades in the hearts of readers.
Image via Royal Mail
For over six decades, the creative genius of British writer Michael Bond has enchanted audiences worldwide with the endearing tales of Paddington. Hailing from the far-off lands of Peru and known for his penchant for marmalade, Paddington’s stories resonate with kindness and humor, a rare combination that has captivated both young and old, ensuring his legacy persists from one generation to the next.
Images via Royal Mail
Back in 1975, a visionary artist named Ivor Wood played a pivotal role in transforming Paddington from a beloved literary figure into a beloved screen presence. Collaborating with animation company FilmFair, Wood gave life to the first Paddington television series, a show that left an indelible mark. Four stamps showcased in a Miniature Sheet capture cherished moments from this landmark TV series, immortalizing the bear’s adventures on screen.
Image via Royal Mail
David Gold, director of external affairs and policy at Royal Mail, expressed, “Paddington’s enduring charm has traversed generations, bringing joy to children around the world. These stamps hold a touch of Paddington’s charisma, and they are sure to brighten up the day of anyone fortunate enough to receive mail adorned with his delightful presence.”
The stamps serve as a heartwarming celebration of the bear’s remarkable journey through literature and beyond, a testament to his enduring allure that spans across age groups and geographies.
Image via Royal Mail
You can soon put on your wellies and head over to the post office as the stamps will go on sale on September 5, though they’re now open for preorders. The Presentation Pack comprising all 10 designs will cost £17.70 (US$22.40).
Image via Royal Mail
[via It’s Nice That, BBC, International Distributions Services, images via Royal Mail]
This article was crafted with assistance from an AI engine, and has been manually reviewed & edited.