Stamps Celebrate Nobel Literary Giants

27 September 2004

The new stamps, which are not specifically denominated but are intended for domestic (currently 48c) use, commemorate WB Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett and Seamus Heaney.

The An Post-Sweden Post joint issue is only the eighth ever undertaken by An Post. The stamps were unveiled at a function in Dublin today (Monday September 27) ahead of the formal launch which takes place on Friday (October 1) in Stockholm.

The stamps may be viewed or purchased at www.irishstamps.ie

Yeats was the first Irish person to be awarded the Nobel Prize in 1923, followed in 1924 by George Bernard Shaw. Playwright Samuel Beckett received the 1969 award and Derry poet Seamus Heaney was honoured in 1995.

Mr Heaney and members of Yeats and Beckett families attended the unveiling of the new stamps at Dublin’s Writers Museum. The attendance, which included officials of Sweden Post, was welcomed by An Post chairperson Margaret McGinley.
The stamps were designed by Sweden Post and are based on work by master engraver Lars Sjööblom.

The stamps will go on sale at all major post offices and online at www.irishstamps.ie on Friday next. A special first day cover and special presentation pack is also available.
Mrs McGinley said “We are delighted to link with Sweden Post for this joint issue commemorating both Ireland’s remarkable literary tradition and its association with the Nobel awards, one of Sweden’s best known exports.”