British Stamps Celebrate Design

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LAST JANUARY 13, ROYAL MAIL OF THE BRITISH COMMONWEALTH ISSUED
postage stamps of some of the world’s most iconic design work of the 20th Century. The Royal Mail enlisted a panel of experts from the world of design to help them make the final cut. The stamps themselves are beautifully designed, clean and elegant—worthy presentations for such great objects.

Here is what they came up with—a fine selection, I must say.

1st Class – London Underground Map
Harry Beck’s easy to understand design was based on an electrical wiring diagram.

1st Class – 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 remain on London’s streets.

1st Class – Supermarine Spitfire AiplaneThe superlative Battle of Britain fighter with its distinctive elliptical wings was designed by R. J. Mitchell who sadly died before the plane went into production.

1st Class – K2 Telephone Kiosk
Sir Giles Gilbert Scott’s design bright-red phone box always stood out on the streets of the UK.

1st Class – Penguin Books
Edward Young’s book jacket design was instantly recognizable as a Penguin edition.

1st Class Large – Mini Skirt
Mary Quant rewrote the fashion rules for women forever with her daring design.

1st Class – Concorde Supersonic Jet
Aerospatiale and BAC’s supersonic jet was capable of twice the speed of sound and beautiful to look at too.

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

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

Stamps founds at dezeen.