In the lead-up to Christmas we are showcasing some of the festive items in our collection across our social networks. Behind the door of our virtual advent calendar today is…
First Day Cover for Britain’s first Christmas stamps (1966)
The designs for Britain’s first Christmas stamps came about as the result of a competition for children. Eight professional stamp designers judged the 5000 entries received and eventually awarded the prizes to Tasveer Shemza and James Berry, both aged six. Shemza’s design features King Wenceslas, while Berry’s shows a snowman.
The image of Santa Claus which appears on the First Day Cover was designed by Ann Belshaw.
See larger images of all the items in our Virtual Advent Calendar on Flickr.
The British Postal Museum & Archive blog 
James Berry was in my grandmother’s class (she was the teacher) when he designed the snowman stamp. We still have a lovely Christmas card from him done about the same time.
That is great! Do you have an image to share?
I do – but I can’t see a way to attach an image here.
Dear Laura,
Sorry for the delay – feel free to email me at alerts@postalheritage.org.uk
Thank you,
Rachel