Britain's most spectacular commemoratives, No51: 2002 Pillar Boxes 2nd class
In a year dominated by modern-looking issues, one that stood out was a more traditional one marking the 150th anniversary of the pillar box by showing its development through the years.
The star of this very elegant set of five, based on engravings by the celebrated Czeslaw Slania, was the 2nd class NVI depicting a light green Victorian box with a fantastic array of golden decoration.
Apparently this embellishment was exclusive to the capital cities of England, Scotland and Ireland, in contrast to the plain ‘economy’ version seen everywhere else. So this was a superior stamp in every respect!
Design: Czeslaw Slania & Silk Pearce.
Printing: intaglio/lithography by Enschedé.
