In a delightful tribute, the Royal Mail is introducing a set of 10 special stamps to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the beloved character Paddington Bear.
Among these stamps, six showcase captivating illustrations from animator Ivor Wood's iconic comic strip cartoons, which were initially featured in the London Evening News during the 1970s. The remaining four stamps capture endearing moments from the esteemed BBC television series crafted and guided by Wood, which made its debut in 1976.
Paddington Bear, the endearing Peruvian bear, made his inaugural appearance in 1958 through Michael Bond's acclaimed book, "A Bear Called Paddington." This release marks the very first occasion where he is honored with his own dedicated stamp collection.
Notably, Paddington had previously graced stamps in 2014, commemorating six decades of children's television. He shared this honor with iconic figures such as Peppa Pig, Bob the Builder, and Shaun the Sheep.
Moreover, the Royal Mail had also included Paddington in a stamp series back in 1994.
The narrative revolves around Paddington's adoption by the Brown family in London, earning his name from the train station he arrived at. Over time, he ventured into the silver screen, captivating audiences in recent cinematic adaptations where Ben Whishaw lent his voice to the character's portrayal.
In a heartwarming sketch commemorating Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee in 2022, the film version of Paddington even shared the spotlight with the late Queen. Now, in an artistic nod, Paddington will appear alongside the profile of King Charles on the newly introduced stamps.
David Gold, Royal Mail's Director of External Affairs and Policy, expressed his hope that these stamps would infuse a touch of Paddington's endearing charm, brightening the day of anyone who receives mail adorned with them.
These captivating stamps will become available for general purchase on the 5th of September, inviting individuals to relive the magic of Paddington Bear's timeless appeal. Photo by Bobulous, Wikimedia commons.