Issued today (13th January) the Design Classics stamps celebrate a century of British design, honouring some of the country’s best-loved designers.

The ten first class stamps feature instantly recognisable design icons from the 20th Century. From Mary Quant’s daring mini skirt to Sir Alec Issigonis’ original Mini and Sir Giles Gilbert Scott’s timeless red telephone box, the striking set of Design Classics stamps proves why British design is rated amongst the best in the world.

Other examples of home grown design excellence in the spotlight are London’s famous red Routemaster, Harry Beck’s innovative Underground map and George Carwardine’s Anglepoise Lamp.

Launching the Stamps for Royal Mail, Mary Quant said: “I am highly honoured that the banana split dress with a mini skirt has been included in the Royal Mail Design Classics issue and to be amongst such great company.

“Britain has the best art and design schools in the world and this attracts students from around the globe. The stamps are absolute design classics.”

Julietta Edgar, Head of Special Stamps, Royal Mail, said: “Special Stamps have always played a major role in showcasing the best of our design talent and in sending the ‘Best of British’ around the world.

“So what better way to launch the 2009 stamp programme than with ten design classics alongside another one of the world’s most recognisable images - Her Majesty the Queen.”


British Design Classics, Stamp by Stamp

1st Class – The Mini (See above) – Sir Alec Issigonis made use of every available space in the small car that was as much a fashion statement as a means of transport.

1st Class – Anglepoise Lamp – George Carwardine’s flexible design brought light wherever it was needed.

1st Class – Polypropylene Chair – Found in public buildings throughout the world, almost everyone will have sat on a Robin Day chair at some time.

Others in the series include;
Supermarine Spitfire – The superlative Battle of Britain fighter with its distinctive elliptical wings was designed by RJ Mitchell who sadly died before the plane went into production.

Mini Skirt – Mary Quant rewrote the fashion rules for women forever with her daring design.

Concorde – Aerospatiale and BAC’s supersonic jet was capable of twice the speed of sound and beautiful to look at too.

K2 Telephone Kiosk – Sir Giles Gilbert Scott’s design bright-red phone box always stood out on the streets of the UK.

Penguin Books – Edward Young’s book jacket design was instantly recognizable as a Penguin edition.

London Underground Map – Harry Beck’s easy to understand design was based on an electrical wiring diagram.

Routemaster Bus – Once a symbol of London to visitors from all over the world now only a few of Douglas Scott and Colin Curtis’s classic design remain on London’s streets.

FREE PRIZE DRAW!
To win a set of these design classics, simply enter our draw

THE BEST OF BRITISH ICONIC DESIGN
Take our poll and tell us which is your favourite.