This stamp issue is commemorating Sarah Ann Featon's botanical artwork. Sarah Ann Featon (née Porter, 1848 – 28 April 1927) was an accomplished botanical artist from New Zealand.
Edward Featon’s text equally captures the natural beauty of the white clematis Clematis paniculata:
‘On account of its climbing habit, it is at times impossible to obtain its floral treasures, which, pendant from the highest branches of the stately forest trees, defy all attempts, at the hands of the covetous ones below, to possess them.’
The Art Album classified New Zealand’s flora scientifically, but also offered descriptions of how plants were used in everyday life by both Pākehā and Māori. Edward describes how Māori cultivated Corynocarpus laevigatus as a food, eating the fruits after a lengthy and complex process to remove their toxicity.
Sarah’s stunning depiction of the the kākā beak Clianthus puniceus with its elegant hanging flowers would no doubt have helped inspire a love of New Zealand’s flora. Sadly, this eye-catching shrub remains threatened in the wild.
Sarah Featon painted plants from all over New Zealand, including specimens from the Subantarctic Islands. Pleurophyllum speciosum is known only from the Auckland and Campbell Islands where it grows profusely with other mega-herbs, forming a riot of colour in December and January.
Other Collectable Items.
This is one of the most usual collectable item released by New Zealand Post. Material: 100% cotton, size: 50cm x 70cm, 190 GSM.
| Date of issue: | 5 May 2021 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Four gummed |
| Denominations: | $1.40, $2.70, $3.50, $4.00 |
| Designed and illustrated by: | Hannah Fortune, New Zealand Post, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Printer and process: | Southern Colour Print, New Zealand by lithography |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours plus metallic PMS silver and spot varnish |
| Stamp size and format: | 30mm x 40mm (vertical) |
| Miniature sheet size and format: | 80mm x 95mm (vertical) |
| Paper type: | Tullis Russell 106gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 25 |
| Perforation gauge: | 13.33 x 13.6 |
| Special blocks: | Plate/imprint blocks may be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps from a sheet. Barcode blocks are available in A and B formats. |
| Period of sale: | Unless stocks are exhausted earlier, these stamps will remain on sale until 4 May 2022. First day covers will remain on sale until 30 June 2021. |
Nice work Arie.
ReplyDeleteI see you have taken over this site now and seem to be doin well. Its a big project.
My name is Moa, not my real name but the name I use on social media. I have done a lot of proof reading for Allan over the years. I hope I can be of help to you too.
For example, I would have liked to learn something more about Sarah Featon. Wikipedia might be of help. (See one of Allan's pages 1988 Heritage Set 1 - The Land.)
Hope you aren't offended by my comments. If so feel free to delete. I understand.
Moa.
Don't be scared to put some of yourself into your work here. You'll find many of your readers will enjoy something a bit different.
Thanks for the feedback Moa. I will be adding more information on some of my posts later on. I might look into finishing some of the unfinished post started by the previous team. If you ever think there is something that could be better, don't hesitate to comment.
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