Stamp Collector

21 MAY 2020 www.allaboutstamps.co.uk GB STAMPS The work of Walter Scott has been celebrated on British stamps before, as part of the ‘Literary Anniversaries’ set of 1971. Here we recall ‘The Lady of the Lake’, Scott’s narrative poem of 1810, which was hugely influential in the Highland Revival, as romanticised tales of Scottish clans and battles became increasingly popular and the country began to explore its history. Shelley, Wordsworth and Byron Perhaps the three most famous poets of the period are all featured in the stamp set. The friendship between Shelley and Byron is well known, although their apparent unruly and even cruel behaviour has been less well publicised. We see Byron in a more caring mood on his stamp, with the beautiful ‘She Walks In Beauty’, a poem that is much shorter than some of the rebellious poets other works. Written in 1814, the poem is thought to have been inspired by a fellow guest at a London gathering. Shelley’s philatelic appearance recalls ‘To a Skylark’, a 21 stanza poem which was inspired by walk in the Italian countryside with his wife Mary Shelley, and describes the appearance and song of a skylark they saw flying above them. The stamp set’s subtle theme of nature means there were plenty of suitable Wordsworth poems from which to choose. The poet is renowned for his musings on the great outdoors, and for his time spent in the beautiful Lake District. Royal Mail have opted for ‘The Rainbow’, a short ode to the natural phenomenon which sees Wordsworth marvel at the striking colours in the sky: ‘My heart leaps up when I behold, A rainbow in the sky.’ Mary Darby Robinson’s ‘Ode to the Snowdrop’ is similar in sentiment to Wordsworth’s poem, this time paying homage to the beauty and vulnerability of the winter flower. A celebrity of her day, Robinson was also an actress and novelist, and wrote a number of feminist essays in her later years. She was well know for being the mistress of the Prince of Wales (later to become King George IV) and even spent a period in prison with her husband and child, after he was imprisoned for debt. John Keats’ ‘Ode on a Grecian Urn’ was initially published anonymously and formed part of a series of ‘odes’. Dedicated to describing the beauty of classical Greek art, the poem initially received a mixed reception but has come to be known as one of the poet’s finest works. Finally we have the simple but poignant line from Letitia Elizabeth Landon’s ‘The Fate of Adelaide’. Often known simply by her initials, LEL, the poet’s anonymity caused much curiosity and comment, with her audience eager to read the mysterious poet’s latest work in the Literary Gazette . Sadly Landon’s poetic line ‘absence is, The Moonlight of affection’ perhaps reflect her own relationship, as her initial engagement was troubled by rumours of her own infidelity. Stamp products In addition to the usual selection of first day covers, stamp postcards and presentation pack, Royal Mail have also issued a coin cover featuring a £5 Wordsworth coin. The cover is available with a Brilliant Uncirculated £5 coin (priced at £19.95 and limited to 10,000 copies), or a Silver version of the coin, limited to 750 copies and priced at £85. WIN THE STAMPS! We have presentation packs to give away to ten lucky readers in our latest competition, courtesy of Royal Mail. The packs include all ten Romantic Poets Special Stamps, whilst the pack itself gives a brief look into all of the poets celebrated on the stamps, in particular their influence on and importance during the Romantic period. The design of the pack also takes influence from renowned artists from the Romantic period; the front background image is Dawn after the Wreck by Joseph Mallord William Turner & the rear background image is Cloud Study by John Constable. For your chance to win just visit the allaboutstamps.co.uk website and answer the following question: Which poet featured in the new set of stamps served as Poet Laureate? Winners will be picked at random from correct answers. Editors decision is final. Good luck. Enter online at www.allaboutstamps.co.uk