AN INSPIRED Stroud creative has been chosen to be featured on this year's Christmas stamps which have been unveiled by the Royal Mail and are now available across Britain.

The six stamps, created by the artist, Andrew Davidson, each feature post boxes as well as a cypher from the six monarchs of the last 100 years.

 

Andrew Davidson, centre, with staff at Stroud's Post Office

Answering questions about whether Stroud landmarks and scenery can be seen in the stamp artwork Andrew said: "They aren’t anywhere in specific – they could be anywhere people want them to be – so no, they haven’t been taken from the Stroud Valleys.

Despite this, some residents in Stroud have highlighted the resemblance one of the stamps shares with the Subscription Rooms in George Street.

 

The first class stamp some say bears a resemblance to the Sub Rooms

"I wanted to get a good cross-reference of our multicultural country, and I’m pleased to say that I think I have achieved that," explained Andrew.

To date, Andrew has worked on more than 12 stamp issues for the Royal Mail, but he still described the immense sense of pride he feels knowing that his illustrations will make their way around the world.

The festive stamps are now on sale - the Royal Mail suggests posting by December 18 for second class, December 20 for first class, and December 22 for special delivery.

"Really it is a set of stamps that can represent everybody, which I think is important given their global nature," he added.