This 2008 Christmas stamp issue continues the tradition of Australian Christmas stamps featuring religious subjects. Three of this year’s stamps celebrate the birth of Jesus through images of iconic figures from the Christmas story and the Nativity. Resembling a three-part altarpiece when shown together, the stamps combine photographic and design elements, and draw upon a range of techniques and artistic influences to offer a modern approach to a traditional story. A stand-alone alternative stamp recognises the centuries-old ritual of decorating the home at Christmas, a tradition continued today by the common practice of adorning our Christmas trees with festive tinsel, lights and baubles.
Special features
Bauble sheetlet: Embellished effect
Prestige FDC: The 4th and final issue for 2008
Technical Details :
- Issue date: 31 October 2008
- Issue withdrawal date: 30 April 2009
- FDI withdrawal date: 28 November 2008
- Denominations: 2 x 50c, 1 x 55c, 1 x $1.20
- Designer: Melinda Coombes
- Designer (Bauble): Adam Crapp
- Printer (gummed & s/a): McKellar Renown
- Printer (special sheetlet): Pemara
- Paper: Tullis Russell
- Printing process: Lithography/Flexographic
- Stamp size: 26mm x 37.5mm
- Sheetlet size: 104mm x 190mm
- Perforations: 14.6 x 13.86
- Sheet layout: 50, 5 x $1.20 with airmail stickers
- National postmark: St Marys, NSW 2760
(Auspost)
