Dimensions: approx. 81/2 x 4 1/2 inches
Date of issue: 28 April 1982
Photographer/Publisher/Other marks:Â
The stamps were designed by Adrian George, printed in photogravure on unwatermarked phosphor coated paper by Harrison and Sons (High Wycombe) Limited.
Format vertical: size 30 x 41mm, perforations 14 x 15. number per sheet 100, gum PVA Dextrin.
The first day cover was designed by Keith Bassford.
Further details about British postage stamps and philatelic facilities can be obtained from the British Post Office Philatelic Bureau, 20 Brandon Street, Edinburgh EH3 5TT.
Condition: In good condition. Please check our images.
Text: please see images
Addressee: Mr. D G Ely, 26 Belmont Close, Barming, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 9DY
Internal notes: QC passed
The 1982 British Theatre Royal Mail First Day Cover is a celebration of the rich and dramatic legacy of British theatre, capturing centuries of performance history within its elegant design. As you hold it in your hands, you are transported into the grand halls of Covent Garden’s Theatre Royal, where the echoes of Shakespearean soliloquies and operatic arias still seem to linger in the air. The stamps, designed by Adrian George and printed by Harrison and Sons, pay homage to the magic of the stage—from the poised elegance of ballet to the flamboyant costumes of pantomime. The delicate lines and vibrant hues bring the characters to life, while the smiling and tragic masks on the cover remind us of theatre’s eternal power to move, entertain, and inspire.
Each element of this First Day Cover speaks to the grandeur and tradition of British performance arts. The postmark, stamped on 28 April 1982 in Maidstone, Kent, ties this piece directly to the moment of its release, an era when theatre was undergoing a renaissance with the Royal Shakespeare Company’s permanent move to the Barbican Centre. The fine-textured paper and expertly crafted perforations embody the artistry of photogravure printing, ensuring that even decades later, this piece remains as crisp and evocative as the day it was issued. Designed by Keith Bassford, the cover itself carries a timeless aesthetic, as if inviting you to step into a West End theatre, feel the weight of velvet curtains, and listen to the hushed anticipation of an audience awaiting a performance.
This First Day Cover is not just a collector’s item—it is a tribute to Britain’s theatrical past and present. Whether you are a philatelist, a historian, or a lover of the stage, this issue offers something special: a tangible connection to the very essence of British culture. The dramatic interplay of light and shadow on the illustrations, the thoughtful selection of subjects, and the historic significance of the Europa 1982 theme make this a standout addition to any serious collection. The passage of time has only enhanced its value, making it a piece of living history, preserved in ink and paper.
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