Ralph Vaughan Williams, one of the great British composers was celebrated with his own stamp in 1972, marking 100 years since his birth.
This is a used stamp that I acquired in a mixed pack about six months ago. It is part of a three stamp 1972 anniversaries series which includes Tutankamun and the coastguards. Yes…all a little random I know. They all mark special anniversaries for each subject. In the case of Tutankamun, 1972 marked 50 years since the discovery and it was 150 years since HM Coastguard was founded.
I highlight Vaughan Williams because, other than being a huge fan of his works, he is one of few British composers to make it on to a stamp. Benjamin Britten achieved the feat in 2013 (SG 3459) as part of a Great Britons series which also featured Bill Shankly and Richard Dimbleby.
However, since starting this post, I have stumbled across this First Day Cover in my collection from 1985.
Edward Elgar, Fredrick Delius, Gustav Holst and George Fredric Handel all feature here. A closer look reveals some clever illustrations depicting some of the composers’ most famous works.
I am on the lookout for more stamps with composers. Anyone know of any other stamps featuring musical maestros? If so, get in touch.
I Keep Stamps 