Briefs

The Definitive Portrait is the first of three prestige stamp books being designed for the Royal Mail by Dew Gibbons. The book looks at the process of finding a suitable portrait of Queen Elizabeth II for use on stamps and their design, and contains a section on celebrity photographer Dorothy Wilding. Every other page is perforated, as are the stamps featured. Shaun Dew, who art directed this book, is now working on the second of the trilogy. All three are in celebration of Stamp Show 2000 at London’s Earls Court to be held in two years’ time. The first book was released on Tuesday.

Drinks manufacturer HP Bulmer is trialing its first spirit mixer, with new product development from New Solutions, and label by PI Design. Schnapper, a blend of peach Schnapps and cider, is aimed at 20 to 28-year-old women. However during the trial period it has picked up interest from men as well, says Bulmer business development manager Clare Cotton. The drink, which is being piloted in Tyne Tees, is scheduled for a national roll-out in the summer.