09 July 2019
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Take a trip from the Shetland Isles through to Cornwall with Royal Mail’s eight Curious Customs stamps, exploring the quirky festivals and traditions that form a backdrop to the changing seasons and the passing of the years in the UK.
From burning the clocks in Brighton to bog snorkelling in Llanwrtyd Wells, it’s safe to say that many of the UK’s customs would baffle anyone unused to Britain’s history and way of life.
Curious Customs is Royal Mail’s tribute to eight festivals, encompassing those engrained in the national psyche such as Halloween, as well as lesser-known celebrations such as Britain’s oldest folk dance, the Horn Dance. Many of these events have ancient roots and have carried down the generations as a delightful reminder of the passing of the years and the ceremony of community gatherings.
The stamp set comprises eight stamps designed by Dumfermline-born artist Jonny Hannah, who learnt his craft at the Liverpool School of Art and specialises in lino cuts and techniques that mimic the process of screen printing – perfect for portraying the colour and vibrancy of these unique festivals.
Stamp details
Curious customs
Issue date: 9 July 2019
Design: NB Studio
Illustrations: Jonny Hannah
Printer: International Security Printers
Print process: Lithography
Perforations: 14x 14.5
Stamp size: 37mm x 35mm
Phosphor: Bars as appropriate
Gum: PVA
1st: World Gurning Championships
1st: Up Helly Aa2nd: Burning the Clocks
2nd: ‘Obby ‘Oss Festival
£1.55: Cheese rolling
£1.55: Halloween
£1.60 Horn dance
£1.60 Bog snorkelling
QUICK LINK: Win the stamps!