Posti to release 4 new stamps
Published : 07 Mar 2019, 19:03
Updated : 08 Mar 2019, 10:13
Posti will release four new stamp publications with a total of 11 different stamps on March 13. A reissue of the world’s best stamp will also be available, said Posti in a press release.
Easter is a good time to remember friends and loved ones with a postcard. Artist Virpi Pekkala designed this year’s Easter stamps which include cheerful illustrations and figures that many will recognize from thousands of postcards.
Pekkala says that she does not merely do illustrations, but rather wants to tell a small story. This also applies to the Easter games stamps. In the first stamp, a witch is swinging on a willow catkin so enthusiastically that she is about to fly off. In the other stamp, a bunny is surprised when a chick hatches from an Easter egg load during transport.
Virpi Pekkala started making cards full-time for her own company in 1980. In addition to postcards, her illustrations can be found in calendars, gift wrapping, paper bags, textiles, fridge magnets and napkins, among other things. She is also responsible for the Christmas stamps of 2003, Easter stamps of 2005 and the summer-themed stamps of 2006.
In 2003, the biggest fans of Virpi Pekkala’s popular illustrations founded a club that actively promotes good postcard etiquette and attracts interest towards Pekkala’s visual production.
This year, Finland and Japan celebrate the centennial of their diplomatic relations. To honor the anniversary, Posti is releasing stamps that depict how Japanese cultural influences have become part of everyday life in Finland.
Last year, Posti organized a design competition with the theme of ‘Floral Art’ for florists. The top three works from the competition are now published as stamps. The stamps include Kukkapäähine and Kukkakaulakoru by master florist Pirjo Koppi from Espoo and the Marjaisa wreath by florist-horticulturist Tiina Koskinen from Kerava.
The Helsinki railway station was opened in March 1919 and turns 100 years old this year. Posti is celebrating the occasion with a miniature sheet. Graphic designer Klaus Welp designed the stamps by photographing the monumental railway station building, designed by Eliel Saarinen, from multiple angles.
Easter Games will be issued as a 10-stamp sheet containing 2 different domestic no-value indicator stamp designs.
The first day event will be organized at the Helsinki Main Post Office (Elielinaukio 2) on Wednesday, March 13, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. New stamps, first day covers and other stamp products will be on sale at the event, and visitors can get first day postmarks on their items.