New Turner Postage Stamps are the Cat’s Pyjamas

6 September 2007

World-renowned political cartoonist Martyn Turner, has drawn each of the four cat characters in a comic style and as slightly irreverent reflections of familiar aspects of contemporary Irish society. 

These purrfectly comical 55c and 78c stamps feature the artist’s interpretation of a Fat Cat, a Celtic Tigress, a couple of Cool Cats and a Kilkenny Cat, who looks suitably satisfied with life!

Martyn Turner is a graduate of Queens University, Belfast, a former magazine editor and he has published 17 books. He is best known for his work as a political cartoonist spanning 30 years and most particularly for The Irish Times.

The growing trend towards urban living combined with busy lifestyles has increased the popularity of our friend, the cat, over other high maintenance pets. The cat population is now increasing by 8 per cent  year-on-year, much faster than dogs and other pets, which are increasing by about 4 per cent annually.

The plethora of gourmet cat foods, cat grooming and ‘comfort’ products, cat stationery and catteries suggests that while our feline friends are known for their independent characters we humans, on the other hand, still love to love our cats!

These stamps are sure to be bestsellers as highly prized collectors’ items and An Post expects strong interest from cat lovers and those who appreciate Martyn Turner’s unique artistry and comic style depiction of the Celtic Cat. 

The new stamps are available from Main Post Offices, online from www.irishstamps.ie or from the Philatelic Shop, GPO, Dublin 1 - Tel: (01) 705 7400.