Norvic Philatelics - GB New Stamps and Special Postmarks

250th Anniversary of the Royal Society of Arts - 10 August 2004

The Society was founded in 1754 by artist and social activist William Shipley, with the aim to 'embolden enterprise, to enlarge science, to refine art, to improve manufacture and to extend our commerce'. The full name of the society is "The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce."

Facts about the RSA:
In 1758 the RSA instigated the planting of 50 million trees to compensate for widespread deforestation during the previous century. Many of these woods remain today.
Captain Bligh's ill-fated journey on the Bounty was intended to bring back breadfruit trees, and agricultural experiment inspried by the RSA.
The RSA established the first organised exhibition of contemporary art in Britain - in 1760.
'The Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations' - known as The Great Exhibition - of 1851 was inititated by the RSA.

1840 Penny Black stamp - Sir Rowland Hill William Shipley, founder of the RSA 'Commercial Examinations' - picture not available
1st class - 1840 Penny Black stamp
Sir Rowland Hill was awarded the first RSA Albert Medal for his postal reforms and the introduction of the Penny Post.
40p - William Shipley, founder of the RSA 43p - RSA Commercial Examinations began in 1882, typing and shorthand proving the most popular.
'Apparatus for sweeping chimnies' - picture not available Eric Gill's famous typeface 'ZeroWaste campaign' - picture not available
47p RSA Gold medal 1805 was awarded to George Smart for his apparatus for sweeping Chimnies without employing boys. 57p Eric Gill created this famous typeface and was among the very first to be awarded the distinction 'Royal Designer for Industry' in 1938. 68p The RSA's 21st century manifesto seeks to stimulate enterprise, expand education and encourage the policies and lifestyles that will ultimately eliminate waste. ZeroWaste campaign


The stamps were designed by Derek Birdsall, RDI.


Technical details:
The stamps are printed in gravure by Walsall Security Print Ltd, perf 14, in sheets of 25/50
All images except FDCs are taken from Royal Mail's Philatelic Bulletin and Postmark Bulletin, and are Copyright 2004 by Royal Mail.


Norvic Exclusive First Day Cover

As usual we have produced an exclusive FDC for this issue, available with a choice of postmarks.

Norvic Limited Edition first day cover for The 250th Anniversary of the Royal Society of Arts
Prices: - £7.50.

Also available:
Mint set of 6 - £3.75
PO FDCs and stamp cards also available - price on request.

The Special postmarks available on the Day of Issue are shown here.
These postmarks cannot be obtained after 10 August.

text RSA HQ John Adam Street London text 'young head' of Queen Victoria window at RSA headquarters Victorian posting box
Ref FD423
Philatelic Bureau Official Postmark
Ref FD424
London WC2 Official Postmark - RSA Headquarters, John Adam Street
Ref L9187
The Royal Society of Arts Centenary* Anniversary, John Adam Street, London WC2
*probably an error: any corrected image will be shown when published
Ref L9196
The 1851 Great Exhibition, Hyde Park, London
Ref L9197
Royal Society of Arts John Adam Street London WC2N
Ref M9199
RSA - Sir Rowland Hill & the Penny Post, Birmingham
ornate frame ornate frame ornate frame ornate frame ornate frame ornate frame
250th Anniversary The Royal Society of Arts
Ref L9188
John Adam Street London WC2
Ref L9189
Henrietta St, London WC2
Ref L9190
Millbank, London SW1
Ref L9191
Kensington Gore, London SW7
Ref L9192
Regent Street Cambridge
Ref M9200
Kidderminster Birthplace of Sir Rowland Hill
text doodled Leonardo text The printers' devil chimney sweeping NACS logo
Ref L9195
ANNIVERSARY 250, London WC2
Ref L9185
The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce - 250 ANNIVERSARY, London WC2
Ref M9222
250th Anniversary RSA, Stoke-on-Trent
Ref L9208
The Printers Devil, Fleet Street, London EC4
Public House/inn
Ref L9207
Smart Street, London E2
Ref M9221
National Association of Chimney Sweeps, Stone Staffs.

This page updated 24 July 2004 [16.1.05]

Any questions? please e-mail us.
2003
2004 stamp issues


13 January Classic Steam Locomotives 30 January Hong Kong Stamp Expo 2004 Smilers Sheet 3 February Occasions/Greetings stamps and Smilers sheet 26 February Lord of the Rings 16 March Letters by Night Prestige Book (TPOs)
A British Journey - Northern Ireland
1 April New definitives, including airmail postcard book of stamps 6 April Centenary of the Entente Cordiale 13 April Ocean Liners 11 May 40p Country definitives 25 May Royal Horticultural Society
15 June British Journey - Wales 29 July Rule Britannia Smilers Sheet 10 August Royal Society of Arts 16 September Woodland Animals 5 October Scottish Parliament Building
12 October Crimean War 2 November Father Christmas
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