Royal Mail Stamps showing British Butterflies July 2013
Royal Mail Stamps showing British Butterflies July 2013
According to a couple of Stamp Collecting websites I understand that The Royal Mail are issuing a set of postage stamps depicting British Butterflies on 11th July, 2013. I know of no other details at all. Does anyone else know any more? This will be the 1st stamps set of British Butterflies since a set of 4 stamps issued in May 1981 celebrating National Butterfly Year of 1981.
Cheers,
Lee Slaughter.
Cheers,
Lee Slaughter.
Re: Royal Mail Stamps showing British Butterflies July 2013
The last butterflies on British (mainland) stamps were among the set issued for "Action for Insects" in 2008. With astounding bad taste, the images used (an Adonis Blue and a Silver-spotted Skipper) were of pinned specimens. I believe there were dark mutterings on the forums here at the time.
I think Jersey and Alderney may also have issued sets since 1981, maybe even the Isle of Man, too.
Dave
I think Jersey and Alderney may also have issued sets since 1981, maybe even the Isle of Man, too.
Dave
Re: Royal Mail Stamps showing British Butterflies July 2013
You're right. I have a set of these as well as the 1981 British issue.millerd wrote:The last butterflies on British (mainland) stamps were among the set issued for "Action for Insects" in 2008. With astounding bad taste, the images used (an Adonis Blue and a Silver-spotted Skipper) were of pinned specimens. I believe there were dark mutterings on the forums here at the time.
I think Jersey and Alderney may also have issued sets since 1981, maybe even the Isle of Man, too.
Re: Royal Mail Stamps showing British Butterflies July 2013
Bit of fun
assuming there will be 6 stamps wonder what species. I would predict
Small Tortoiseshell
Peacock
Brimstone
Common Blue
Gatekeeper
Speckled Wood
Probably completely wrong
Though I guess they will be unable to resist including the Purple Emperor

Small Tortoiseshell
Peacock
Brimstone
Common Blue
Gatekeeper
Speckled Wood
Probably completely wrong

Though I guess they will be unable to resist including the Purple Emperor

Re: Royal Mail Stamps showing British Butterflies July 2013
More details have emerged on these stamps. They feature Comma, Orange Tip, Small Copper, Chalkhill Blue, Swallowtail, Purple Emperor, Marsh Fritillary, Brimstone, Red Admiral, Marbled White.
Re: Royal Mail Stamps showing British Butterflies July 2013
I understand they have chosen Richard Lewington's brilliant drawings rather than photos for the stamps. I was contacted by an agency for possible use of one of my swallowtail photos but I am glad they have chosen Richard's drawings.
Some details in the latest BC magazine.
Ian
Some details in the latest BC magazine.

- Vince Massimo
- Administrator & Stock Contributor
- Posts: 1889
- Joined: Sat Aug 16, 2008 7:36 pm
- Location: Crawley, Sussex
Re: Royal Mail Stamps showing British Butterflies July 2013
I have just ordered the beautifully illustrated stamps.A_T wrote:Full details now up on the Royal Mail site
http://shop.royalmail.com/issue-by-issu ... utterflies



Re: Royal Mail Stamps showing British Butterflies July 2013
My First Day Cover came today - I have not had a FDC since I was 13
The stamps look wonderful - the pictures on the web do not do them justice.

The stamps look wonderful - the pictures on the web do not do them justice.
- Pete Eeles
- Administrator & Stock Contributor
- Posts: 6869
- Joined: Tue Jan 17, 2006 6:10 pm
- Location: Thatcham, Berkshire
- Contact:
Re: Royal Mail Stamps showing British Butterflies July 2013
Although Richard doesn't post directly in the forums, he did want me to pass on the message that he feels very humbled by all of the kind comments he sees here, and elsewhere!
Cheers,
- Pete
Cheers,
- Pete
Life Cycles of British & Irish Butterflies: http://www.butterflylifecycles.com
British & Irish Butterflies Rarities: http://www.butterflyrarities.com
British & Irish Butterflies Rarities: http://www.butterflyrarities.com
Re: Royal Mail Stamps showing British Butterflies July 2013
He shouldn't feel humbled (although it's touching that he does). The bloke's a genius.
Re: Royal Mail Stamps showing British Butterflies July 2013
I received mine today as a present - conveniently it's my birthday tomorrow (shhh - a fact I'd rather overlook
)
They are absolutely beautiful, and I can only echo David M's comment. Sheer genius.
Dave

They are absolutely beautiful, and I can only echo David M's comment. Sheer genius.
Dave