+ Issue Date : 27/07/2011
+ Classification : Postage Stamp
+ Emission : Commemorative
+ Designer : Studio David Hillman
+ Printer : Cartor Security Print
+ Printing : Offset Lithography
+ Paper : Phosphorized / Phospor Coated
+ Perforations : 14½ × 14½
+ Separations : Normal Perforations
+ Gum Type : Gum
+ Shape : Rectangular
+ Orientation : Square
Sports from each of the Olympic disciplines were selected to illustrate the subject of each stamp. The Olympic Games comprises 26 different sporting disciplines, such as Cycling. Cycling includes several different events where medals are won – including road racing, various time trials and velodrome races as well as mountain biking events and BMX. Many gold medals can be won in different events, and all will be symbolised by one Cycling stamp symbolising the sport of Cycling.
The Paralympic Games features 21 sports, such as Judo (which is also competed in the Olympic Games), as well as Paralympic specific events such as Goalball.
In all, 29 different sports are played at the Olympics and Paralympics. There will be one stamp design for each sport with the exception of athletics which will be presented across two stamps as Athletics: Track and Athletics: Field, hence 30 sport stamps.
Royal Mail’s design team with David Hillman, from Studio David Hillman, set to work allocating each sport to one of the quality image makers who agreed to work on this three-year project. Royal Mail also consulted with the sports’ governing bodies and specialist clubs for each stamp. Each stamp has the London 2012 Olympic or Paralympic logo in the lower corner.
Designers:
Sailing – Lara Harwood/Heart; Athletics: Field – Anthony Pike/The Art Market; Volleyball – Ben Dalling; Wheelchair Rugby – Matthew Hollings/Illustration Ltd; Wrestling – Daniel Stolle/Anna Goodson Management; Wheelchair Tennis – David McConochie/The Art Market; Fencing – Lyndon Hayes/Dutch Uncle Agency; Gymnastics – Kathy Wyatt; Triathlon – Adam Simpson/Heart; Handball – David Cutter/Folio.
