76 APRIL 2016 http://www.stampandcoin.co.ukOne of the most interesting aspects
of a Shakespeare stamp collection is
the way in which the bard’s work has
been interpreted by different countries,
many of whom choose to depict the
actors wearing costumes typical of the
issuing country, such as a 1969 Fujeira
stamp which showed Romeo and Juliet
dressed in Arabian style garb.
Many of the countries which have
issued Shakespeare stamps over the
decades have done so not just because
of the universal popularity of his work
but because they have connections
with Shakespeare’s work: part of
Othello is set in Cyprus, which issued
a stamp devoted to this play in 1964,
whilst Germany is home to the oldest
Shakespeare Society (the Deutsche
Shakespeare-Gelleschaft) and has issued
Shakespeare-related stamps including
a 1976 stamp celebrating the life of
actress Hermine Korner, showing her
in the role of Lady Macbeth; and an
East German stamp of 1973 on A
Midsummer Night’s Dream.
One country with seemingly few
Shakespeare connections which
nevertheless has issued several stamps
on the subject is Sierra Leone, with
dramatic stamps from 1989 showing
scenes from several plays, including the
moment when Hamlet sees the ghost of
his father, the tragic lovers Romeo and
Juliet, as well as a 1990 stamp featuring
Sir Laurence Olivier in Othello.
In this, the anniversary year of
Shakespeare’s death, collectors can
look forward to new themed issues
from many of the countries mentioned
here, and as the plays continue to be
relevant, this is a theme which shows
no sign of waning.Thematics
Ten stamps on... humanitarians
Stamps featuring men and women who have influenced the world
with their good deeds1
Marta Abreu – Cuba-born Marta Abreu (1845-
1909) who donated millions of dollars to the
poor is celebrated on this 1947 Cuba stamp
which features her portrait.2
Mahatma Gandhi – (1869-1948) the Indian
leader, peacemaker and civil rights activist
appeared on this 1948 stamp from his birth
country, issued in the year of his assassination.3
Andrew Carnegie – (1835-1919) used his
wealth from the steel industry to found
educational institutes, social funds and
endowments. In 1960, the US Postal Service
issued this stamp to honour the achievements
of its adopted countryman who emigrated from
Scotland as a child.4
John Muir – (1838-1914) is known as the
father of the USA’s national parks. On this
1964 stamp, Muir’s portrait is shown along with
a painting of one of the parks he founded.5
Caroline Chisholm – British born
humanitarian Caroline Chisholm (1808-
1877) worked to further the interests of
female immigrants in Australia. Her work was
remembered on this 1968 stamp from Australia.6
Florence Nightingale – The ‘lady of the lamp’
Florence Nightingale (1820-1910), featured
on this 1970 GB stamp which marked both the
150th anniversary of Florence’s birth and the
sixtieth anniversary of her death.7
Mother Teresa – (1910-1997) has been
featured on several stamps over the years,
including this 1980 stamp issued by India to
mark her being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.8
Nelson Mandela – The work of anti-apartheid
campaigner Nelson Mandela (1918-2013)
was celebrated on this 1997 South Africa stamp
issued halfway through his tenure as South
Africa’s fi rst black president.9
Emmeline Pankhurst – Suffragette and
political activist Emmeline Pankhurst
(1858-1928) was featured as one of the portraits
on Royal Mail’s 2006 issue to mark the 150th
anniversary of the National Portrait Gallery.10
Raoul Wallenberg – Canada’s fi rst
honorary citizen, Swedish-born Raoul
Wallenberg (1912-c.1947) was honoured on this
2013 stamp from Canada Post, which recognises
the work he carried out to save the lives of tens
of thousands of Jews in Hungary during the
Second World War.1
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