Lions, Leopards, Unicorns & Dragons

Alison Bean of the British Postal Museum & Archive writes to say they have a new blog that focuses on postal history and stamps.

On the blog is a write-up about the Lions, Leopards, Unicorns & Dragons: The first “Regional” stamps exhibit which is closing April 4. The exhibition follows the creation and development - from original artwork and unadopted designs, through to the final issues - of Britain’s first regional stamps.

The stamps were issued in August and September 1958 although the idea for regional stamps had first been discussed shortly after the end of the Second World War. While the main feature on the stamps was still the portrait of the Queen by Dorothy Wilding, heraldic and floral emblems were used to distinguish stamps for the different regions.

Shown above, Scottish "Regional" stamp which shows Her Majesty framed by a pair of Crowned and Collared Unicorns (a heraldic beast unique to Scotland) supporting banners showing the Rampant Lion of Scotland and the Flag of St Andrew.

For more information, click here.