Elizabeth II stamps 1965-1970

The period of the mid 1960s saw a revolution in British stamp design and stamp-issuing policy. As a result, the collection reflects the increased number of issued stamps in its holdings of artwork (adopted and unadopted) and essays.

High values

For high values printed recess we also have metal dies, rollers and printing plates. In addition, all stamps are kept in registration sheets for every format including booklets and rolls.

‘Off with her head’

Part of the revolution in design was the attempt to remove The Queen’s head from stamps. We hold the album of experimental designs prepared by David Gentleman in 1965-6, and also most of the artwork on which that is based.

Artwork by David Gentleman to experiment with removing The Queen's head from stamps

 
There are also a large number of essays showing different forms of The Queen’s head and ideas for its replacement.

Left: Unadopted Essay by David Gentleman to remove The Queen's head entirely from the Battle of Britain 4d stamp. Right: issued Battle of Britain stamp with The Queen's head remaining

The Machin head

One other result was the development of a replacement for the Wilding definitives. We hold all the submitted artwork leading up to the accepted design by Arnold Machin. Many stages are represented by plaster cast models by Machin.

Phosphor trials

At the same time watermarked paper was phased out and various phosphor trials were undertaken. In preparation for the change-over to decimal currency in 1971 many colour trials of Machin definitives were carried out at Cambridge. These are all part of the collections.

Access

The best way to see all our philatelic and postal history collections is by appointment with the Curator of Philately, Douglas Muir. To make an appointment, please call 020 7239 2570 or email info@postalheritage.org.uk.