Stamp Collector

81 MAY 2020 www.allaboutstamps.co.uk 1942 there have been a number of definitive series of stamps featuring Marianne, most of them depicting her wearing the distinctive Phrygian hat. Collectors can assemble an excellent collection of one or more of these series of definitive stamps. Alternatively, consider arranging a collection of commemorative stamps featuring Marianne. There have been at least fifteen such stamps since 1935. Engraved stamps Many collectors greatly admire recess- printed stamps, which involved the original designs being engraved life-size on steel or copper plates. For such collectors, France is a rich field to explore, as many of France’s stamps were recess printed and the country can boast some of the finest stamp engravers. A collector can assemble a superb collection of stamps engraved by one or more of the foremost engravers, such as Albert Decaris, Henry Cheffer, Pierre Gandon, Charles Mazelin, Raoul Serres and Jules Piel. Collectors can choose which designers or era of stamp issues are of most appeal. Art stamps France is famous for its series of large- format art stamps that were issued first in 1961. The number of these stamps issued each year varied but there were usually four or five. Printed in six colours by the recess process, these stamps set the standard by which other countries’ art stamps have been judged. The illustrations ranged from classic works of art to modern art, from cave paintings to tapestries and stained-glass windows. Known collectively as ‘Musée Imaginaire’ (Imaginary museum) there are over 160 stamps that can be collected, either in their entirety or to suit the tastes of the collector. Precancels Pre-cancelled stamps were issued to make mass mailing easier. France was a prolific user of such stamps and there are over 260 different types to collect. Pre-cancellation began in 1893 but most pre-cancelled stamps issued up to 1922 are both scarce and expensive, whereas those issued subsequently are more available and moderately priced. Perhaps the most attractive from the design point of view were the pre- cancelled stamps issued from 1964 that were themed. Designs included French currency, signs of the Zodiac, mushrooms, historic monuments, the four seasons, playing cards, months of the year, musical instruments, leaves and flowers. Stamp Day Between 1944 and 1998 France issued stamps to mark Stamp Day, the stamps bearing the inscription Journee du Timbre. Each stamp illustrated an aspect of postal history, including figures prominent in the development of the postal system, postman COLLECTING FRANCE 1935 stamp issued for the Unemployed Intellectuals’ Relief Fund and featuring Marianne offering help 1938 stamp in support of the French Refugees’ Fund, featuring Marianne welcoming French citizens repatriated from Spain 1983 stamp depicting Marianne. This was one of two stamps issued as ‘Philatelic 1944 stamp engraved by Pierre Gandon, one of a set of three stamp issued to mark Marshal Pétain’s 88th birthday Right: 1951 stamp issued for Stamp Day. The stamp was engraved by Albert Decaris 1954 pair of stamps issued in support of the Red Cross Fund. Engraved by Jules Piel Below: 1934 airmail stamp marking the 25th anniversary of Louis Blériot’s Channel flight 1965 Art stamp illustrating Toulouse- Latrec’s ‘L’Anglaise du Star au Havre’ 2017 Art stamp depicting Frédéric Bazille’s painting ‘View of the Village’, depicting the contrast between the earlier ‘Musée Imaginaire’ art stamps and more recent art