PostNL wanted designs for stamps with a festive look, but they also wanted to pay attention to the history of the 220-year existence of the Dutch postal company. From 1799 the postal company delivered letters, printed matter and maps. It was not until 1881 when they also began to transport parcels. Due to the enormous growth of online sales and webshops in recent years, the delivery of parcels has become one of the most important and visible activities of PostNL. This development over time is the basis for the design of these stamps. 

 

The design shows a stream of letters and packages printed in fresh PMS colors and shimmering UV lacquer. The left side of the page can be seen as the start of mail and the right side as the present and the future: from only letters to more and more packages. You can also see the design as an assembly line in a sorting center where the mail moves from left to right. And a festive garland can also be recognized in the stamp sheet. Because an anniversary is something to celebrate. 

 

The cube shapes for the packages refer directly to the beautiful stamps for children from 1970 by William Graatsma and Jan Slothouber. We also pay tribute to the high standard of Dutch stamp designs and the stamps of Graatsma and Slothouber in particular. This attention to the design is, in our opinion, an important part of the history of the postal company.

 

 

 

Stamps: 36 x 25 mm / sheet 44 x 75 mm

Commissioned by: PostNL

Printed: Joh. Enschedé Security Print, Haarlem

Article number: 390165