Set of eight stamps launches in collaboration with DreamWorks Animation and Universal Brand Development.
Royal Mail has collaborated with DreamWorks Animation and Universal Brand Development on the issue of a set of eight stamps to mark the 100th birthday of Rupert Bear.
The stamps feature the artwork of Alfred Bestall, who wrote and illustrated more than 270 Rupert stories after he took on the role in 1935.
The set is made up of four pairs of stamps, each pair featuring two illustrations from one of Rupert’s adventures – Rupert’s Rainy Adventure (1944), Rupert and the Mare’s Nest (1952), Rupert And The Lost Cuckoo (1963) and Rupert’s Christmas Tree (1947).
Rupert made his first appearance in the Daily Express on November 8, 1920. Herbert Tourtel, who wrote the stories, was an editor at the Express, and his wife, Mary, was the illustrator. In total, Mary illustrated 89 stories, which were later reprinted in books. She retired in 1935 due to her failing eyesight and her replacement was Alfred Bestall.
In total, he wrote and illustrated 224 Rupert stories for the newspaper and provided 47 other stories, mostly for the Rupert Annuals (which have been published every year since 1936).
In 1970, The Adventures of Rupert Bear aired on ITV. It ran for seven years, with over 150 episodes produced over four series.
“We celebrate the 100th birthday of Rupert, one of the most-loved characters in children’s literature,” said Royal Mail’s Philip Parker. “He has introduced successive generations of children to a wonderful make-believe world of magic and adventure.”
The full set of eight stamps, available in a Presentation Pack, retails at £10.
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