Issue: UK 1992 Gilbert & Sullivan The Gondoliers Stamp
Type: Stamp
Number of Stamps: 1
Stamps Denomination: 24 P
Issue Date: 1992
Issued By: Royal Mail, United Kingdom
About
The Stamp was part of a special series issued by the Royal Mail to celebrate the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, the famous Victorian-era duo known for their comic operas. This particular stamp commemorates their popular opera, The Gondoliers one of their most successful collaborations.
Issuance:
Date of Issue:
The stamp was released in 1992 as part of a set honoring Gilbert and Sullivan’s iconic operas.
Commemoration:
It celebrates The Gondoliers which premiered in 1889 and became one of the duo’s most beloved operas.
Design:
Scene from The Gondoliers:
The stamp features a colorful depiction of a scene from The Gondoliers likely portraying the opera’s Venetian setting with gondoliers (boatmen) in their traditional attire. The design captures the lively and humorous tone of the opera, with vibrant costumes and a playful atmosphere.
Artwork Style:
The artwork on the stamp is theatrical and whimsical, reflecting the lighthearted, satirical nature of Gilbert and Sullivan’s work. The design may include key characters or a gondola, set against the backdrop of Venice’s iconic canals.
Typography:
The stamp includes text indicating it is part of the Gilbert and Sullivan series, along with the title “The Gondoliers” and the denomination.
Denomination:
The stamp was issued with a specific value reflecting UK postal rates in 1992, allowing it to be used for mailing letters or postcards.
Significance:
Gilbert and Sullivan’s Legacy:
The Gondoliers is a comic opera that satirizes class distinctions and monarchy, set in Venice and the fictional kingdom of Barataria. It is known for its lively music, witty lyrics, and complex ensemble numbers.
Cultural Importance:
Gilbert and Sullivan’s operas had a significant influence on musical theater and comedy, and they remain popular in performance to this day. The Gondoliers is notable for being one of their last collaborations and showcases their unique ability to blend social commentary with humor.
Collectibility:
Philatelic Value:
The Gilbert and Sullivan series is popular with both stamp collectors and fans of the arts, particularly those interested in theater and opera. The Gondoliers stamp is part of a broader set, making it desirable to collectors who aim to complete the series.
Special Editions:
Collectors may also find first-day covers presentation packs, and other philatelic items related to this issue adding to its value.
Cultural and Historical Context:
Gilbert and Sullivan in British Culture:
Gilbert and Sullivan are widely regarded as two of Britain’s most important musical and theatrical figures. Their operas are performed internationally, and their influence extends to modern musicals and comic performances.
Royal Mail Tributes:
By issuing stamps dedicated to Gilbert and Sullivan, the Royal Mail honored a significant part of British cultural heritage, recognizing the duo’s contributions to theater and the arts.
Summary:
The Stamp celebrates the famous comic opera The Gondoliers one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most successful productions. Featuring colorful imagery from the opera’s Venetian setting, the stamp is part of a special series commemorating the duo’s contribution to British musical theater. Its lively design and connection to a cherished cultural legacy make it a popular item for stamp collectors and fans of the performing arts.
