This was a set of four stamps, released on the 9th July 1980, designed by Barbara Brown.

This issue honours four famous Victorian writers and features their portraits with background scenes from their novels. The CEPT emblem, incorporated in the design of the 12p and 13 1/2p values, identifies the issue with the “Famous People” theme chosen by the Conference of European Posts and Telecommunications for 1980 “Europa” stamps. The year 1980 marks the half way point in the United Nations – Sponsored “Decade for Women.”

The 12p depicts Charlotte Bronte with scenes from Jane Eyre, 13 1/2p George Eliot and the Mill on the Floss, 15p Emily Bronte and Wuthering Heights and the 17 1/2p Mrs Gaskell with North and South. The 12p and 17 1/2p are from drawings by George Richmond. The 15p, showing Emily Bronte, was actually painted by her brother, Branwell, and the 13 1/2p is from a photograph by J.J Mayall.

Interestingly the 12p stamp was issued in a significant number, showing the value 12, with the “p” missing. It is understood the P was initially present but later disappeared!

---

Bookmark with: