FDC – Royal Mail Greeting Stamps 1996

Issue: Royal Mail Greeting Stamps 1996

Type: First Day Cover

Number of Stamps: 10

Denominations: 1st Class

Issue Date: 26 February 1996

Design: Michael Wolff

Issued By: Royal Mail, UK

FDC – Royal Mail Greeting Stamps 1996

Royal Mail Greeting Stamps 1996

• Royal mail has issued a set of 10 first class Cartoon Stamps.
• These stamps featured cartoons by artists, Mel Calman, Charles Barsoti, Leo Cullum, Larry and Jack Ziegle;
• First day cover was designed by Michael Wolff;
• Celebrating the art of cartoons, these stamps point out the many forms they can take, from satirical to surreal.

Cartoons on postage stamps have been popular for several reasons, each contributing to the unique appeal and widespread interest they garnered:

Visual Appeal and Artistic Expression:

Cartoons are inherently visually engaging and often employ bold colors, exaggerated features, and playful designs. When translated onto postage stamps, these characteristics catch the eye and create a captivating first impression. The artistic creativity and skill required to condense a complex narrative or character into a small stamp format add to their charm.

Universal Accessibility:

Cartoons often convey emotions, humor, and stories that transcend language barriers. This universality makes them relatable to a broad audience, from children to adults. Stamps featuring well-known cartoon characters can evoke feelings of nostalgia and familiarity, making them attractive to people of different cultures and ages.

Educational and Cultural Significance:

Cartoons often reflect the culture, values, and social dynamics of a particular era or society. When featured on postage stamps, they become miniature windows into the history and cultural identity of a nation. Stamps can commemorate significant events, celebrate national achievements, or pay tribute to influential figures through the lens of popular cartoons.

Marketing and Popularity Boost:

Introducing well-loved cartoon characters or scenes on stamps can increase the appeal of collecting among a wider audience, including young collectors who might be introduced to philately through their affinity for these characters. This can, in turn, stimulate interest in stamp collecting as a hobby and promote the philatelic world.

Commemoration of Milestones:

Cartoons often become an integral part of society’s milestones and celebrations. By featuring them on stamps, postal authorities can mark important occasions such as anniversaries of popular cartoon characters, the release of iconic animated films, or the contributions of cartoonists and animators.

Promotion of Cultural Heritage:

Many countries take pride in their unique cartoon traditions and characters. By featuring these cartoons on postage stamps, nations can promote their cultural heritage to a global audience. This can lead to increased tourism, appreciation of local artistry, and the preservation of cultural legacies.

Bridging Generations:

Cartoons have a timeless quality that can be enjoyed by multiple generations. Stamps featuring beloved characters can create connections between grandparents, parents, and children, fostering shared experiences and conversations.

Collectible Appeal:

Cartoon-themed stamps often have a strong collectible appeal due to their recognizability and connection to popular culture. Collectors are more likely to be drawn to stamps that feature characters and themes they are fond of, leading to increased demand and potential investment value.

In essence, the popularity of cartoons on postage stamps is a testament to their ability to resonate with people on multiple levels – emotionally, culturally, and artistically. This popularity has not only enriched the world of philately but has also provided a platform for celebrating and preserving the impact of cartoons on society.