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World of Stamps:
What you find may surprise you.
Since the first stamps appeared in 1840, these illustrated pieces of gummed paper have provided gateways to history, geography, biography, science, music, art, and more. Stamps represent every nation on Earth and reflect innovations in design, printing, and transportation.
These are stories for everyone in the world of stamps.
Who Invented the Stamp?
The idea came from a former schoolteacher named Rowland Hill.
In 1837 Hill published a pamphlet entitled Post Office Reform: Its Importance and Practicality. In this document, Hill recommended that postal fees be prepaid with "a bit of paper... covered at the back with a glutinous wash." The British government incorporated Hill's idea in the British postal reforms of 1839.
What is a Stamp?
A postage stamp provides official evidence that the sender has paid for postal services.
Historically made of paper, ink, and gum, stamps are designed to be fixed to a piece of mail. Perforations or die cuts allow stamps to be separated easily from each other.
Stamps usually include the country's name, postage value, and an image. The beauty and historical significance of these images inspire many people to collect stamps. |