Tuesday, 12 November 2024

Steeples, Spires And Stamps

Royal Mail 2024 Christmas stamps went on sale last week. I send very few cards these days - but I always buy a sheet of the 2nd Class stamps to last me through the year [I have seven left from last Christmas!] Like the reformed Ebenezer Scrooge "O keep Christmas in my heart, and honour it all year" It is fun sending Xmas stamps on a letter in June.




These stamps feature 5 British Cathedrals - I have been in three of them - Edinburgh, Liverpool and Westminster. One day I shall get to Armagh and Bangor, perhaps

The promotion says
"These special stamps are a reminder that for centuries past, cathedrals have provided sanctuary, community, joy and wonder at the birth of Christ. And they continue to do so today, standing at the very heart of our cities.
All the UK’s cathedrals will be open over Christmas, ready to welcome people of all faiths and none. For services, prayer and celebration, to find peace, or to enjoy the splendour of their music, architecture and treasures, visit a cathedral this Christmas!
Cathedrals are a hugely significant part of our cultural heritage and play an important role in local communities. They also offer space for peaceful reflection and a bit of an escape from the challenges of daily life, which can be especially important at Christmas."


St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral
in Edinburgh was designed by Victorian architect George Gilbert Scott
Worship has taken place on the site of St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh since the 5th century
Westminster Cathedral is the largest Roman Catholic church in England and Wales and the seat of the Archbishop of Westminster
Liverpool Cathedral was consecrated in 1924 but not completed until 1978 - Britain's largest cathedral.
St Deiniol's Cathedral in Bangor was where St Deiniol established his Celtic monastery in the 6th century

Penzance based artist, Judy Joel, was chosen last year to produce these stamps, in her characteristic naive style. Her artworks have been sold all over the world, for 50 years. Specialising in commissions of ‘life stories’, weddings, houses, and gardens, Judy also enjoys painting local Cornish scenes and scenes of her favourite pastimes and fondly remembered places. Every picture features her white-haired Mum and a little dog.
Having met Robin Carter last month, I feel I have a better understanding of the work of stamp illustrators now.
Do you like these stamps? I think they are quite fun [but I did like last year's angels. I may ask Steph, our local postmistress, if she has any angels left...]




28 comments:

  1. Now those I do like, lovely and colourful

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  2. I didn't realise Liverpool was the UK's largest one- didn't feel like that when I was in it. The stamps are nice. I've still got a stash of stamps so I prob don't need to buy any. Kezzie x

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    1. I went with my Dad nearly 50 years ago. It was some not a worship service, but sort of dramatic performance and I cannot remember what it was now!

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  3. I do like them, but like you, I'd prefer angels. Or the Magi.

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  4. I have been in the same cathedrals as you and many more including the other cathedral in Liverpool. I love the feeling of stillness within the cathedrals and also love if there is music being played. Catriona

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    1. They can be truly awe inspiring, a place of peace and reflection

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  5. These are great. I will buy two dozen of Edinburgh from the post office counter in our village shop - to last me the year. I don’t send many Christmas or birthday cards nowadays but those I do are to my special folk. I have been to services and concerts in Edinburgh cathedral (George Gilbert Scott always did sensitive, or as BB would say, tender restorations) and it’s a wonderful city to explore on foot - lots of fabulous art galleries and landscape art and family-run restaurants and cafes serving good food and always so civilised. Having a daughter living, working and studying in Aberdeen has its perks! Sarah in Sussex

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    1. Edinburgh is a great city. Having daughters in Manchester and London gives us opportunities for "cultural experiences" and interesting meals too

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  6. I like these stamps and have been to the same three as you. If we visit a city we always factor in time to see the cathedral . I have to admit Canterbury is my favourite but is the most local to us and the one I have visited the most. I shall only be buying a few stamps this year due to such high postage costs we send mostly e-cards, dad but affordable. Regards Sue H

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    1. Bob loves Canterbury having grown up on Kent. Norwich is my favourite!

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    2. I've sung at both of them. I love the Catholic cathedral in Liverpool and also Durham!

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  7. They are really nice stamps this year. Maybe next year they will depict the smallest churches in the UK. I tend to just grab some stamps from the office drawer for the few Christmas cards that I send these days and that way the cost of postage goes through the business.

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  8. I love Lichfield Cathedral and also Ely which must be one of the smallest and now I live in Derbyshire, we will visit Derby Cathedral again. Last went when the Knife Angel was there. Xx

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    1. I should have loved to have seen the knife angel

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  9. Is Westminster the only non-Anglican cathedral in the set? I'm glad they included it. I bought a headscarf before I went in the first time, as I thought it looked like a mosque at first! It is full of mosaics; I had to resist lying down in the chapels to look at the ceilings.

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    1. I think Armagh is Church of Ireland, and Edinburgh is Church of Scotland.St Deiniol 's is part of "the Church in Wales" So I think that's the whole spectrum ! We nonconformists don't have Cathedrals (unless you count Methodist Central Hall in Westminster!!)

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  10. I do love the way she included lots of people in front of the Cathedrals in her paintings. Without people they are only beautiful buildings!

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  11. They are gorgeous!

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  12. When I bought a sheet of second class Christmas stamps at my local PO the assistant commented that he liked these stamps 'with little houses on'!! (Very happy to be able to comment here, the first time my computer has allowed me to!)

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