Today Royal Mail have issued 10 special stamps to celebrate the Romantic Movement of British poetry and I am delighted to say I illustrated them with linocuts.

The stamps celebrate major Romantic poets: William Wordsworth; William Blake; John Keats; Lord Byron; Samuel Taylor Coleridge; Mary Robinson; Percy Bysshe Shelley; Walter Scott; John Clare; and Letitia Elizabeth Landon.

Each stamp uses an extract from one of their most popular and enduring works, along with a specially-commissioned linocut illustration that reflects the theme of the poem.

I was initially approached by the Manchester design group “The Chase” and worked with designer Ben Casey who made a pitch to the Royal Mail back in November 2018. Their design brief was innovative and daring and I really enjoyed working in the “black & white” remit.

We spent 6 months experimenting with layouts, designs, and cuts for each stamp and by the end I had cut over 50 linocut blocks in order to achieve the harmonious result.

Royal Mail spokesperson Philip Parker said: “The Romantic poets composed some of the most loved poetry of all time, and our striking new stamps celebrate the genius of their imaginations.”

A full range of stamps, and other collectible products are available now at www.royalmail.com/romanticpoets and by phone on 03457 641 641.
The full set of 10 stamps, available in a Presentation Pack, retails at £8.50.

I am delighted to be part of this collaboration with the Royal Mail and I sincerely hope you enjoy looking at this limited edition of “linocut” stamps and perhaps using them to write a card or a letter to a friend or loved one who can’t be visited just now!’