Royal Mail has revealed a new set of eight stamps and you just might recognise the TV shows that have inspired the collection.
The new stamps feature well-known Aardman Animations characters including Wallace and Gromit, Morph and Shaun The Sheep.
The animation studio is based in Bristol and was founded in 1972. It’s best known for its films which use stop-motion and clay modelling animation techniques.
Royal Mail has joined forces with Aardman to feature some of its most celebrated characters.
Fan favourites Wallace and Gromit, Feathers McGraw, Shaun The Sheep, Timmy, Robin, Morph and Chas, Frank The Tortoise and Rocky and Ginger all feature in the stamp collection.
Speaking about the collaboration, Royal Mail’s director of external affairs and policy David Gold said: “This set of stamps will surely bring a smile to everyone’s face. These instantly recognisable, iconic animated characters have found a place in our hearts. We are certain they will add a bit of joy to any envelope.”
The eight stamps will be available as well as an exclusive miniature sheet, created especially for Royal Mail by Aardman.
The miniature sheet sees Wallace and Gromit celebrate four of their favourite moments by displaying them proudly on their wall, in their recognisable home at 62 West Wallaby Street.
Key moments included are ones from Wallace and Gromit animated short films A Matter Of Loaf And Death, The Wrong Trousers, A Close Shave and A Grand Day Out.
Aardman’s managing director Sean Clarke said: “We are delighted to partner with Royal Mail to celebrate some of our most iconic characters in this colourful and fun-packed stamps series.
“We have had the pleasure of creating these films featuring these much-loved characters over the last 40 years, so it is a real honour for the studio to receive this royal stamp of approval.
“It’s a true testament to all the hard work that goes into making these productions and we are sure that our fans will enjoy them.”
Peter Lord and David Sproxton founded Aardman and they began their animation partnership when they created a character called Aard-man which the BBC bought for its Vision On series and marked the creation of Aardman Animations.
Recognition began to grow for Lord, 67, and Sproxton, 68, after they created the now-highly recognisable shape-shifting clay character Morph for the BBC’s Take Hart series.
Aardman is also the creator of some of the most successful stop-motion films including Chicken Run, after Nick Park, a British animator joined the company.
The Aardman collaboration stamps are now available to pre-order via the Royal Mail website and the general sale will begin on Wednesday, October 19.
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