Royal Mail celebrates British films

Royal Mail appears to have relaxed its 84-year old ban on the use of living non-royals in its stamp design, with the release of a new commemorative set crafted by Elmwood.

The stamps, which will commemorate next month’s 50th anniversary of the Carry On films and the first Dracula movie by Hammer Films, will be released on 10 June.

The six stamps feature the original cinema posters of the most popular Carry On and Hammer Film productions, with a host of actors including Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing and Sid James.

Royal Mail, however, says the stamps depict film characters, rather than living individuals.

‘In this specific instance, all the people were part of the original cast of both the Carry On and Hammer Films, and were responsible for the subject in question,’ says a spokesman for Royal Mail.

The purpose of the policy, according to the Royal Mail Stamp Advisory Committee, is thought to help avoid possible public endorsement of living individuals by the Queen.

Stamp cards, a presentation pack and a first-day cover will complement the series.

Webb & Webb has created supporting products for the stamps.