Royal Mail launch Olympic stamps for London 2012

Royal Mail has commissioned some of Britain’s most exciting artists and illustrators to create three sets of stamps to be issued in the run up to the London 2012 Olympic Games. A total of 30 1st Class stamps will be issued in the Olympic and Paralympic Games series, with the first ten going on sale on 22 October 2009.

Royal Mail is working with illustrators and fine artists to create the stamps which will highlight both the sporting and cultural significance of the event.

Each stamp will champion an Olympic or Paralympic sport and they will be issued in three sets in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Among the sports featured on the first set of stamps is diving, with a distinctive illustration by the leading contemporary artist Julian Opie, alongside the lesser known Paralympic sport of boccia.

Julietta Edgar, head of special stamps, Royal Mail said: “Royal Mail has always been there to celebrate and commemorate significant moments in our history and the London 2012 Olympic Games is one of the greatest events on the planet.

“We hope these stamps play their part in the countdown to the Games, but also to highlight both the sporting and cultural legacy of this wonderful event.”

The 30 stamps mark the 30th Olympiad and London 2012 Paralympic Games and are official products of the London 2012 Olympics. Each stamp will feature either the London 2012 Olympic Games or Paralympic Games logo.

London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe welcomed the announcement: “I’m thrilled and proud that London 2012 is going to be working with Royal Mail to produce these stamps. It is a huge honour to have stamps created in celebration of the Games and we look forward to working with Royal Mail over the next three years. These stamps will be a wonderful way to celebrate the London 2012 Games and means that the whole country can get involved in this fantastic festival of sport between now and 2012.”