An Post’s new stamps showcase Irish contemporary art

An Post has issued a booklet of four new stamps featuring contemporary artworks within the Office of Public Works, State Art Collection.

The stamps feature a selection of striking works: He rode him lightly, a painting by Gabhann Dunne; To a vanishing point (an iteration), a sculpture by Barbara Knežević; Dog (Motion Capture) an etching print by Colin Martin; and Camogie Player, a photograph by Amelia Stein.

Designed by Irish designer, Atelier David Smith, the booklet (€6.60) contains four ‘N’ rate national stamps, covering postage all over the island of Ireland. These stamps beautifully highlight the diverse range of artworks in the State Art Collection, which comprises of 16,000 pieces. With their simple, clean lines and bright, distinct colours, the stamp designs allow the original artworks to shine.

As the largest dispersed collection in Ireland, over 90% of the State Art Collection's artworks are publicly accessible. These significant pieces are proudly displayed in a variety of public buildings and heritage properties across the country, including flagship buildings such as Áras an Uachtaráin, Dublin Castle, Leinster House and Government Buildings.

The First Day Cover envelope (FDC) features the sculpture, St. Anthony’s Rabbit, by Janet Mullarney. Both the FDC and booklet of four stamps are available at selected post offices nationwide and online at www.anpost.com/shop, with free delivery.

Manager of An Post Irish Stamps, Aileen Mooney, commented “An Post is delighted to feature Irish Contemporary Art on our latest stamp issue. The designs showcase a sample of the amazing artistic talent currently in Ireland. Whenever you are in a public setting or building, look around at the artworks there. These pieces have been acquired by the State for the people of Ireland to enjoy – and now you can also own fabulous works by four renowned artists, on a stamps.”

Head of Art Management at the Office of Public Works Jacquie Moore said, “The OPW was delighted to be invited by An Post to share artworks in the State Art Collection with the public through this special stamp edition. The artworks represent some of the diverse range of media in the State Art Collection – photography, print, painting and sculpture. The OPW is fortunate to have works by these artists in the collection and continues to support contemporary art practice under the Per Cent for Art Scheme.

The five artworks featured in the stamp edition will be on view in the State Apartments at Dublin Castle from 5 to 26 June."

Further information:

Brona McDonagh, An Post Communications – brona.mcdonagh@anpost.ie, 0874570118