Stamp Collecting Month marvels at the mysterious world of mythical creatures
Friday, 30 September 2011
Australia Post continues the tradition of Stamp Collecting Month (SCM) throughout October with the release of the Mythical Creatures stamp issue. There are five domestic rate (60 cents) stamps and one domestic large letter rate ($1.20) stamp. This issue is available from 4 October 2011.
The fantastic world of ancient myth and legend is featured in this stamp issue with six mythical creatures including a fairy, troll, mermaid, griffin, unicorn and a dragon. Research found mythical creatures to be one of the most popular themes with children.
"The release of these stamps kicks off Stamp Collecting Month and we hope these striking illustrations spark the imagination of children," said Australia Post Philatelic Manager, Michael Zsolt. "All children love fantasy, and the Mythical Creatures stamp issue brings these amazing creatures to life."
Stamp Collecting Month endeavours to interest and educate children about history, geography and culture through the designs on Australian stamps and the hobby of stamp collecting, which continues to be one of the most popular hobbies in the world.
Included in this stamp issue is an Australian first, a special effect 3D minisheet. The 3D minisheet comes with viewing glasses and is housed in a special stamp pack complete with a standard minisheet.
There are six popular and well-recognised mythical creatures included in this stamp issue. The mercurial fairy, common in Celtic folklore, can be both malicious and an agent for good. The ugly, strong but dim-witted troll derives from Norse mythology. The mermaid, a beautiful woman with the tail of a fish, in Greek mythology lures sailors to their deaths with her eerie song. The griffin, with the body of a lion and the wings and head of an eagle, in Greek and medieval art represents courage, strength and leadership. The unicorn was first introduced by the ancient Greeks and it was believed that these wild, shy creatures could only be captured by a young girl. The winged, fire-breathing dragon of European tradition lives in a cave or lair and is generally malevolent.
The Mythical Creatures stamp issue was illustrated by Brisbane-based artist / illustrator Aaron Pocock. Pocock has been illustrating professionally since 1997 and this is his first stamp design commission for Australia Post.
Included in the product range is a set of two limited edition (8,000 of each design) stamp and medallion covers. There is also a large prestige book which presents the early sketches and full-colour illustrations of the creatures by the illustrator.
Other stamp products include a first day cover, stamp pack, minisheet, self-adhesive booklets of 10 x 60c and 20 x 60c stamps, a gutter design strip of 10 x 60c stamps, and a maxicard set of six. The stamps and associated products are available from participating Australia Post retail outlets, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online at www.auspost.com.au/scm from 4 October 2011 while stocks last.
