Alternative Idea for British Rural Architecture Stamps, Ink and Pencil on Paper 1970.
In February 1969 the Royal Mail’s Stamp Advisory Committee discussed the stamp programme for 1970. It was felt that the British architecture series started with Cathedrals in May 1969 was worth pursuing and was likely to be a financial success. Tudor buildings, ancient monuments, National Trust properties and stately homes were all considered as subjects. It was decided that for the sake of contrast with the Cathedrals, ‘grandiose’ buildings should be avoided in favour of either town houses or country cottages.
Sheila Robinson was one of five artists who submitted designs for the commission. The others were Richard Downer, Peter Gauld, Ronald Maddox, David Gentleman and Keith Hensby. Two of Sheila’s designs were accepted, the ‘Welsh Stucco’ and ‘Ulster Thatch’. The two other designs selected for issue on February 11th 1970 were the ‘Fife harling’ and ‘Cotswold limestone’ by David Gentleman. One of Sheila’s rejected designs was this ‘Kentish weatherboard’, for which the Fry has some original sketches, and this trial print.
Permanent Collection 1203, donated by the artist’s daughter, Chloë Cheese.