Britain's most spectacular commemoratives, No74: 1980 Christmas 17½p

The 1980 set was among the most elegant of all Christmas issues, and the star of the group of five was the highest value, depicting a display of satin brocade and shining pendants with holly.

The arc of decorated foliage and the complete symmetry of the design suggest security and a welcoming door, beyond which are to be found many treats of the traditional British festive season.

With its deceptively simple design of green and red on white, this stamp epitomises Christmas, and has a very large ‘wow factor’.

Design: Jeffrey Matthews.
Printing: gravure by Harrisons.

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