The Royal Mail has unveiled a new 1st Class stamp collection which it describes as ‘26-stamp alphabetical odyssey around the UK – featuring images by two of the UK’s favourite landscape photographers, David Noton & Charlie Waite. The collection was launched with a presentation to David Cameron of the stamp representing ‘D’ – 10 Downing Street, featuring an image shot by David Noton (above). The other images in the series that were made by David were Glastonbury Tor, Harlech Castle, Ironbridge, Edinburgh Castle and Carrick a Rede.

Press Release

David Noton & Charlie Waite images used on new Royal Mail collection

27 October 2011

The Royal Mail has unveiled a new 1st Class stamp collection which it describes as ‘26-stamp alphabetical odyssey around the UK – featuring images by two of the UK’s favourite landscape photographers, David Noton & Charlie Waite.   

The stamp issue is divided into two series, the first of which, representing the letters A to L is now in circulation.  The collection was launched with a presentation to David Cameron of the stamp representing ‘D’ – 10 Downing Street, featuring an image shot by David Noton.

David Cameron commented on the stamp edition as he posed for press photographers outside the famous front door, holding his framed version of the super-sized stamp: ‘I am delighted to see some of our most loved landmarks on these stamps, celebrating much that is great about our country.’  

The second part of the set, representing letters M to Z will follow in April 2012.  The Royal Mail said: ‘We expect both issues to be extremely popular and hopefully will be an appealing souvenir for those visitors to the UK over the coming year.’

Commenting on his experiences photographing Blackpool Tower, Jodrell Bank, Kursall, and Lindisfarne, Charlie Waite commented: ‘It was an honour to work on a project that would result in my images being seen by millions of people all around the world - albeit in tiny stamp-size.  Therein lays something of an artistic and technical challenge - to ensure that the composition, exposure and atmosphere of each image was powerful and simple enough that it could be appreciated when printed so small and accommodating the Queen’s head.

‘On my first assignment I stuck a plain stamp on the back of my camera so that I could keep at the front of my mind how my images were going to be used and at what scale they had to work!’

David Noton’s image of 10 Downing Street received the particular attention of the Prime Minister who commented: ‘Seeing the front door of Number 10 on a stamp is of course particularly special.’

The other images in the series that were made by David were Glastonbury Tor, Harlech Castle, Ironbridge, Edinburgh Castle and Carrick a Rede.  Reflecting on his commission, David Noton said: ‘Working on the alphabetical Royal Mail stamp collection was a unique opportunity to photograph some of the most evocative and iconic locations in the British Isles.  Each was challenging and inspirational in equal measure.  As usual, the vagaries of the British weather meant there were many fruitless vigils and return visits, but now with the release of the first set of stamps, the satisfaction of working on a project of such high visibility is just starting to sink in.  It was ultimately one of the most memorable commissions I’ve had in my 26 year career so far.’

www.davidnoton.com & www.charliewaite.com

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