For immediate release – 9 April 2015
Guernsey Post is delighted to announce that its Europa stamps on the theme of ‘Old Toys’ features toys owned and played by the children of the British Royal family over the decades (issue date 1 May 2015).
A traditional toy since the nineteenth century, in 2013 Prince George received a beautiful rocking horse from the President of the United States and Mrs. Michelle Obama, partly crafted from a tree that once stood in the grounds of the White House (41p stamp value).
Princess Victoria collected over 130 small wooden dolls, many of which she made herself along with making incredibly detailed miniature clothes for them. The 54p stamp depicts three from her collection.
Wooden outdoor toys such as carriages and go-karts were also a favourite of the Royal youngsters, as were model automobiles. The 55p stamp depicts Prince Charles’ toy 163 Austin J40 pedal car, whilst a beautifully painted miniature version of a baker’s wagon belonging to Princess Elizabeth, complete with bread, is shown on the 74p stamp.
The young princes and princesses played with many of the same types of toys as other children including the much loved teddy bear –one from the Royal Nursery is depicted on the 66 pence stamp.
Silver rattles have been a traditional gift for young children for hundreds of years and they are still presented to newborn royals today; there are three depicted on the 83p stamp.
Dawn Gallienne, head of philatelic at Guernsey Post said: - “To be able to depict some of the toys belonging to the British Royal family gives us a personal insight into life as a young member of the royal family over the generations, through the toys the children have played with and loved.”
The stamps will be available to pre-order
from 24th April by visiting www.guernseystamps.com or by contacting philatelic customer
services on (01481) 716486.
-End release-
Press enquiries to:
Sarah Amies, pr consultant, 01484 687040/07811 133973
Dawn Gallienne, head of philatelic at Guernsey Post, 01481 733524
Note to editors:
Stamp specifications
Date of issue: 1 May 2015
Designer: Robin Carter
Printer: BDT International
Values: 41p, 54p, 55p, 66p, 74p, 83p
Process: Offset Lithography
Stamp size: 30.58mm deep x 38mm wide
S.Sheet: 100mm deep x 140mm wide
Paper: 110gsm unwatermarked / PVA Adhesive
Sheets: 10
Perforation: 13.75
Cylinder: A