Not for the first time - in fact for at least the sixth - Royal Mail is issuing a set of stamps illustrated with dogs. We haven't had any dogs since 2010 - the previous occasions were 2008, 2001, 1991, and 1979 with an odd dog or two included as ancillary to the main content.
These are similar to the Battersea Cats and Dogs set designed by CDT; the current set is stated to be 'designed by Royal Mail', though nothing more. The source photos are from various image holders as shown below, so I suppose it was just "choose some dogs, crop the images, add the text" - why pay an expensive agency when a 10-year old could do it?
Royal Mail's comment:
Dogs have shared our lives for thousands of years – working, hunting, guarding and being our friends. Royal Mail are howling with delight to celebrate our loyal companions with ten mint stamps showcasing some of the most popular pet breeds in the UK. A paws-itively, pup-fect stamp issue - it’s sure to get tails wagging!
Dogs have shared our lives for thousands of years - working, hunting, guarding and being our friends. Many different breeds evolved and were developed over the centuries, from the very smallest to the largest and shaggiest, from the bravest to the fastest, but regardless of type, dogs have remained loving and loyal. It is little wonder that they are so popular, with more people around the world owning a dog than any other pet.
The first dog shows were held in the 19th century, which led, in 1873, to the founding of the Kennel Club to govern contests and field trials. The Kennel Club now holds the register of pedigree dogs in the UK, and regulates all breed standards, with breeds assigned to seven different categories based on their original roles: Gundog, Hound, Pastoral, Terrier, Toy, Utility and Working.
The 2nd class stamps depict Dalmatian, Jack Russell-type Terrier, Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, and Whippet.
The 1st class stamps depict Siberian Husky, Chihuahua, Cocker Spaniel, Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Pug.
 |
| Set of 10 gummed stamps (5 x 2nd, 5 x 1st) depicting Dogs, issued 6 June 2024 |
Technical Details: The 35 mm square stamps are printed in two sheets of 50 (horizontal strips of 5) by Cartor Security Printers in lithography, on paper with ordinary gum, perforated 14½.
Source image acknowledgements:
Dalmatian, Border Collie and Siberian Husky by Jane Burton/Warren Photographic Ltd;
Jack Russelltype Terrier and Labrador Retriever by Mark Taylor/Warren Photographic Ltd;
Whippet © FLPA/Alamy Stock Photo;
Chihuahua © Life on White/Getty Images;
Cocker Spaniel © Life on White/Alamy Stock Photo;
Pembroke Welsh Corgi © YAY Media AS/Alamy Stock Photo;
Pug © petographer/Alamy Stock Photo.
Collectors Sheet
A quite unnecessary Collectors Sheet (ie a £12.20 A4 poster with pictures of dogs which also includes stamps) is also included in this issue. The sheet is self-adhesive so making 10 different stamps.
 |
| Sheet of 10self-adhesive stamps (5 x 2nd, 5 x 1st) depicting Dogs, issued 6 June 2024 |
Products available
Set of 10 stamps, first day cover, presentation pack, stamp cards, Collectors Sheet, framed stamp set, framed Collectors Sheet.
After a good start, some of Royal Mail's recent offerings are more bland and unnecessary. It is to be hoped that the rest of the year includes at least some properly designed and relevant stamps.
Ironically the first person I showed the picture to said "Oh my gosh they are adorable" - so on that unscientific test I guess there will be some who buy them who don't normally purchase special issues. Always assuming they see the publicity. More so if one of the stamps resembles their own pet.
ReplyDeleteI collect the presentation packs so will get it anyway but as usual not fussed about all the extras. At least there are some second class ones.
White Knight commenting - You are right. Even I who moans about RM new issues all the time think they are splendid and will see if I can get hold of a vertical strip of Labrador stamps to use on mail.
DeleteIf you can't get them, I can get as many as you want in vertical strips through my account.
DeleteSame goes for anybody else who has a favourite pet breed .
Thanks Ian
DeleteI shall stock up on the second class....
ReplyDeleteThe pictures of the stamps tugged a little at my heart strings, but the blog title certainly tugged a lot at my purse strings. 15 [sic] Second Class Stamps would be too much of a good thing, but my blood pressure went down as I read further. There is some consolation, as my wife, Gwynne, is a great fan of the Pembrokeshire Corgi.
ReplyDeleteThank you for changing the number of 2nd Class stamps in the blog title. When I bought my stamps on the 6th June, they still looked lovely, and it is good to have both 2nd and 1st in an issue, even if there is no commemorative reason for these stamps. There has already been much discussion about other events that could have been included this year, but it almost seemed like an insult not to issue 80th Anniversary of D-Day stamps on the 6th June.
DeleteI've received the Despatch Note today but NO stamps.
ReplyDeleteHave other Standing Order customers had this problem ?
Received an FDC on 06/06, but nothing else has arrived from my standing order yet.
ReplyDeleteGot mine, mostly 2nd class, with a few Corgi firsts... My lovely sub-postmistress reckons they'll be more popular than Peppa Pig (she still had a few left, and I left them there too).
ReplyDeleteAs this issue has the useful 2nd-class NVIs, I presume that the Red Arrows issue will all be 1st Class: they seem to alternate.
DeleteRobert, I see that as stated here that the Red Arrows are in deed 1st Class but also 4 x £2.00 Values which does not have a postal Rate for that value a 10p 1st Large or 20p Stamp International Economy + a combination of Values for other Services would be needed, RW
DeleteI’m a big dog lover but would’ve liked a bit more focus on British breeds. It’s odd that the very British beagle has never appeared on a British stamp. At least Guernsey gave us one last year.
ReplyDeleteBut beagles have been too involved in fox hunting.
DeleteNotable 200 Yr anniversaries missed by RM, RNLI, Cadbury's , RSPCA, National Gallery opening, so much for UK history !
ReplyDeleteThe pug stamp has been criticised by animal rights campaigners.
ReplyDeleteMy comment on 'X'
DeleteI don't think #stamps have as much influence on people's lives & habits as @PETAUK
seem to think.
Who has seen ANY of these on their incoming post? I certainly haven't.
https://peta.org.uk/media/news-releases/pug-postage-a-royal-fail-peta-urges-royal-mail-to-scrap-stamp-glamorising-suffering-dogs/
Yes Ian, but PETA will be well pleased if, as is likely, a thousand people learn of their news release for every one that actually sees a pug stamp on a letter.
Delete