Thursday, 15 May 2025

The Chronicles of Narnia by C S Lewis, 75th anniversary set & miniature sheet 22 May 2025

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the publication of C.S Lewis’ timeless classic ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’, part of the classic fantasy series ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’.  The series is set in the fictional realm of Narnia, a fantasy world of magic, mythical beasts and talking animals. It narrates the adventures of various children who play central roles in the unfolding history of the Narnian world.

The Chronicles of Narnia is considered a classic of children's literature and is Lewis's best-selling work, having sold 120 million copies in 47 languages. The series has also been adapted for radio, television, the stage, film, and video games. 

The set of 8 x 1st Class stamps are illustrated by Keith Robinson, a British illustrator of children and young adult books, who was commissioned especially for this stamp issue.

Chronicles of Narnia set of 8 x 1st class stamps issued 22 May 2025.


Designs:  The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader; The Silver Chair; The Horse and His Boy; The Magician’s Nephew; The Last Battle.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe miniature sheet of 4 x 1st class stamps issued 22 May 2025.

The Minisheet features 4 x 1st Class Stamps with original illustrations by Pauline Baynes: 

Mr Beaver leads the children to his house; The children and the beavers call for Edmund; The White Witch takes Edmund captive; The battle between Aslan and the White Witch.

Technical Details

The stamps and miniature sheet are designed by Supple Studio and printed by Cartor Security Printers in litho with conventional gum.  The stamps are 41 x 30 mm in two sheets of 48 stamps.  The 192 x 74 mm miniature sheet has 60 x 30 mm stamps.  Illustrations by Keith Robinson @ 2025 CS Lewis Pte Ltd, and Pauline Baynes.

Collector Sheet

Chronicles of Narnia Collector Sheet issued 22 May 2025.

The collector sheet features the 10 stamps from the stamp set by by Keith Robinson with matched labels featuring original illustrations by Pauline Baynes.
Note: As is standard, the Collector Sheet is printed on Self-adhesive paper. This is different from the set of stamps.

Products available

Set of 8 stamps, miniature sheet, first day covers (2), presentation pack, stamp cards, collectors sheet, press sheet of 14 miniature sheets, medal cover, framed products, signed and framed stamp set.

 


Tuesday, 6 May 2025

Slogan postmarks for May - and other interesting postal markings.

May started as April ended with the default British Heart Foundation postmark.  BHF is the charity nominated by Royal Mail employees as the company's National Charity Partner from the start of 2023 until the end of 2026.

This example from Sheffield on 30 April was, of course, delivered in May, thanks to JH. (This is the other layout to the last one shown in April.)

British Heart Foundation slogan Sheffield Mail Centre 30/04/2025

UPDATE 14 May 2025 - Two more versions of the BHF postmark. Norwich Mail Centre 09-05-2025 and reversed from Bristol Mail Centre 08/05/2025

British Heart Foundation slogan Norwich Mail Centre 09-05-2025 and reversed from Bristol Mail Centre 08/05/2025.


Today Royal Mail announced a slogan for the 80th Anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day.  No starting date was announced, but with no processing done on Monday 5th, I assume it started today Tuesday 6th May.  It runs to Thursday 8th - which may mean only until 7th for delivery on 8th.

Mock-up of slogan to be used for VE DAY 80 probably on 6 & 7 July 2025 

UPDATE:     Our readers have duly come up with the goods on this one. KD sent this one received from Nottingham Mail Centre dated 06/05/25, and one we sent to a customer shows the other layout, albeit on several stamps so not really visible.

 

 

VE DAY 80 slogan Nottingham Mail Centre 06/05/2025

VE DAY 80 slogan Norwich Mail Centre 07-05-2025


UPDATE 13 May:  Thanks to RW for sending in this year's version of the annual Mental Health Awareness Week slogan from South East Anglia, 12/05/2025.  RW also sent a better one dated 15th.

Mental Health
Awareness Week

12-18 May
mentalhealth.org.uk

Mental Health Awareness Week slogan South East Anglia, 12/05/2025.
Mental Health Awareness Week slogan South East Anglia, 15/05/2025.




Other postmarks and postal markings


 

 


Remember, all postmarks appearing in May will be added to this post, so check here before you spend time scanning and emailing.