Τετάρτη 18 Ιανουαρίου 2012
Castles in Liechtenstein - 2011 LIECHTENSTEIN
Alongside distinctive landscape features such as the Rhine, the Eschnerberg and the Dreischwestern massif it is above all Liechtenstein’s castles and castle ruins which are the Principality’s defining symbols: they are immovable witnesses to their time which have outlasted the centuries and become romantic symbols of the Alpine monarchy.
But in two cases appearances are deceptive! Gutenberg Castle and Vaduz Castle, the residence of the Princes Liechtenstein, were given their characteristic form just 100 years ago. Of course the original buildings go back a long way, Gutenberg to the 12th century and Vaduz to the 13th, but until the renovations at the beginning of the 20th century they were just unprepossessing semi-ruins. The pictures on which the stamps designed by Adolf Tuma are based, show how these buildings looked towards the end of the 19th century.
These paintings are probably all by the Vaduz artist Moriz Menzinger (1832–1914). The first stamp shows “Gutenberg” Castle in Balzers (face value CHF 1.00). On the second stamp the “Schellenberg” ruins (face value CHF 1.40) can be seen. As there are two ruined castles in the Liechtenstein community of Schellenberg, here the older of the two is meant. The “Schalun” ruin (face value CHF 2.00) in the Vaduz Forest, steeped in legend and also known popularly as the “Wildschloss” (“Castle in the wild”), is featured on the third stamp. The fourth stamp in this issue is “Vaduz” Castle (face value CHF 2.60) viewed from the north.
The distinctiveness of this issue lies in the four first-day postmarks, which – contrary to the established practice of always having only one postmark per issue – show for each pictured castle a corresponding coat of arms. On the “Gutenberg” stamp this is the arms of the Counts of Werdenberg-Heiligenberg, on the “Schellenberg” stamp the arms of the Lords of Schellenberg, on the “Schalun” stamp the arms of the Counts of Montfort-Werdenberg and on the “Vaduz” stamp the arms of the Counts of Sulz.
100 Years of Liechtenstein stamps - 2012 LIECHTENSTEIN
1st February 2012 marks the hundredth anniversary of the appearance at the country’s then five post offices (Balzers, Triesen, Vaduz, Schaan and Nendeln) of the first three Liechtenstein definitives. These three stamps, printed on chalksurfaced paper and with face values 5, 10 and 25 Heller, bore the image of the then reigning Prince Johann II of Liechtenstein (1840 – 1929). The inscription “K.K. Austrian Post in the Principality of Liechtenstein“ referred to the fact that the Liechtenstein Post Office established on 1st January 1912 under an agreement made in October 1911 remained under Austrian administration. With the special issue “100 Years of Liechtenstein Stamps“ Philately Liechtenstein highlights this special anniversary. The graphic designer HP Gassner charged with designing the issue was given the brief not to create a purely nostalgic stamp, but to produce a contemporary design based on a traditional approach. What came of this is a series showing the four Princes who have reigned since the appearance of the first Liechtenstein stamp, each portrayed against a differently coloured background on which the years from 1912 to 2012 appear in Roman numerals. The first Liechtenstein stamps appeared during the reign of Johann II, known as “Johann the Good” (face value CHF 1.00), whose portrait also adorned the first stamp. Johann II died in 1929 and was succeeded by his brother Franz I (face value CHF 1.40), who reigned for nine years as Regent of the small Principality. Being without issue, he was succeeded on his death by his greatnephew Franz Josef II (face value CHF 2.20), to whom the discharge of governmental responsibilities had been entrusted since 1930. Franz Josef II, who as first Regent made Vaduz his principal place of residence, was the father of the present Prince Hans Adam II (face value CHF 2.80). Prince Hans Adam II assumed responsibility for the affairs of state after the death of his father in 1989, passing it in turn to his son Alois in 2004.
National Parks - 2011 IRELAND
These are Glenveagh National Park in Co Donegal; Ballycroy National Park in Co Mayo; Connemara National Park in Co Galway; the Burren National Park in Co Clare; Wicklow Mountains National Park in Co Wicklow and Killarney National Park in Co Kerry.
Ireland's exceptional national parks are known for their unrivalled natural beauty, with a wide variety of landscapes, including bogs and grasslands, heaths, woodlands, lakes, hills and valleys. The parks also have many species of flora and fauna, and provide delightfully tranquil surroundings.
The National Parks & Wildlife Service is charged with conserving a range of habitats and species in Ireland. The organisation is responsible for developing the scenic landscapes of the national parks, in an environmentally friendly way, to encourage the public to visit and enjoy them.
Classic Locomotives of England - 2011 UK
1st Class – BR Dean Goods Class 2532
A Newbury bound British Rail local service Dean Goods Class locomotive at East Garton photographed in 1951.
60p – Peckett Type R2
This Peckett 1689, named Thor was built in 1925 for the Tunnel Cement company of West Thurrock, Essex. The locomotive spent its entire life at Thurrock – where the photo was taken, and it was scrapped there in March 1965.
88p – L & YR 1093 J4 No 1100
The Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Class J4 locomotive photographed here at Liverpool Exchange Station in 1909 is pulling the 2.10 to Hull.
97p – BR WD No 90662
During the Second World War heavy freight ‘Austerity’ locomotives were built for military service. Before the Normandy Landings, the army had very little use for these locomotives, so they were loaned to the ‘Big Four’ railway companies. After June 1944, ‘Austerity’ locomotives were shipped out to France. Eventually British Rail had 733 of these locomotives.
A Newbury bound British Rail local service Dean Goods Class locomotive at East Garton photographed in 1951.
60p – Peckett Type R2
This Peckett 1689, named Thor was built in 1925 for the Tunnel Cement company of West Thurrock, Essex. The locomotive spent its entire life at Thurrock – where the photo was taken, and it was scrapped there in March 1965.
88p – L & YR 1093 J4 No 1100
The Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Class J4 locomotive photographed here at Liverpool Exchange Station in 1909 is pulling the 2.10 to Hull.
97p – BR WD No 90662
During the Second World War heavy freight ‘Austerity’ locomotives were built for military service. Before the Normandy Landings, the army had very little use for these locomotives, so they were loaned to the ‘Big Four’ railway companies. After June 1944, ‘Austerity’ locomotives were shipped out to France. Eventually British Rail had 733 of these locomotives.
Crown Jewels - 2011 UK
2011 marks the 350th Anniversary of the coronation of King Charles II. As most of the crown jewels had been broken up during the time of the Cromwell’s Commonwealth a new set had to be created for the occasion. The only piece shown here that pre-dates Charles’s coronation is the anointing spoon.
While many nations have royal jewels, the British Crown Jewels are unique. Known around the world as a dazzling collection of objects representing royal sovereignty, the Crown Jewels are also remarkable due to their continuity of use: the collection is still used in a coronation ceremony that has changed little in a thousand years.
While many nations have royal jewels, the British Crown Jewels are unique. Known around the world as a dazzling collection of objects representing royal sovereignty, the Crown Jewels are also remarkable due to their continuity of use: the collection is still used in a coronation ceremony that has changed little in a thousand years.
1st Class – The Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross
From 1661 and so called because it is surmounted by a cross. In 1905, it was redesigned to incorporate the Great Star of Africa, the second largest cut diamond in the world. During the coronation, the monarch bears the sceptre with the cross in the right hand.
From 1661 and so called because it is surmounted by a cross. In 1905, it was redesigned to incorporate the Great Star of Africa, the second largest cut diamond in the world. During the coronation, the monarch bears the sceptre with the cross in the right hand.
£1.10 – Coronation Spoon
Dating from the 13th century the spoon was the only part of the royal regalia to escape destruction by Cromwell. At the coronation ceremony it is used to annoint the sovereign with holy oil.
Dating from the 13th century the spoon was the only part of the royal regalia to escape destruction by Cromwell. At the coronation ceremony it is used to annoint the sovereign with holy oil.
1st Class – St Edward’s Crown
Again from 1661 the cross has 444 precious stones and is the one with which monarchs are crowned when they ascend the throne. This is the one reputed to have been made with gold recovered from the throne of Alfred the Great.
Again from 1661 the cross has 444 precious stones and is the one with which monarchs are crowned when they ascend the throne. This is the one reputed to have been made with gold recovered from the throne of Alfred the Great.
68p – Rod & Sceptre with Doves
Again 1661 it is topped with a dove symbolizing the Holy Ghost. During the coronation, the monarch bears the sceptre with the dove in the left hand. The smaller of the two sceptres with the closed wings of the dove is used by the Monarch’s consort.
Again 1661 it is topped with a dove symbolizing the Holy Ghost. During the coronation, the monarch bears the sceptre with the dove in the left hand. The smaller of the two sceptres with the closed wings of the dove is used by the Monarch’s consort.
68p – Queen Mary’s Crown
The Crown of Queen Mary was the consort crown of Mary of Teck, Queen Consort of King George V. It was manufactured for the coronation of George and Mary in 1911. Since Queen Mary’s death on March 24, 1953 her consort crown has remained unworn.
The Crown of Queen Mary was the consort crown of Mary of Teck, Queen Consort of King George V. It was manufactured for the coronation of George and Mary in 1911. Since Queen Mary’s death on March 24, 1953 her consort crown has remained unworn.
76p – The Sovereign’s Orb
The Orb was created for the coronation of King Charles II in 1661. It is a hollow gold sphere weighing 42 ounces. The Orb is a religious symbol; it represents the Monarch’s role as defender of the faith and as Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
The Orb was created for the coronation of King Charles II in 1661. It is a hollow gold sphere weighing 42 ounces. The Orb is a religious symbol; it represents the Monarch’s role as defender of the faith and as Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
76p – The Jeweled Sword of Offering
The Jewelled Sword of Offering was made for the Coronation of King George IV. It is the only sword actually presented to the Sovereign during the Coronation (by the Archbishop of Canterbury, to signify that the royal power is at the service of the church).
The Jewelled Sword of Offering was made for the Coronation of King George IV. It is the only sword actually presented to the Sovereign during the Coronation (by the Archbishop of Canterbury, to signify that the royal power is at the service of the church).
£1.10 – Imperial State Crown
The Imperial State Crown was made in 1937 for King George VI. Among the stones are several famous ones, including the Black Prince’s Ruby and the Cullinan II diamond, also known as the Lesser Star of Africa. It is worn after the conclusion of the Coronation ceremony when the monarch leaves Westminster Abbey and at the annual State Opening of Parliament.
The Imperial State Crown was made in 1937 for King George VI. Among the stones are several famous ones, including the Black Prince’s Ruby and the Cullinan II diamond, also known as the Lesser Star of Africa. It is worn after the conclusion of the Coronation ceremony when the monarch leaves Westminster Abbey and at the annual State Opening of Parliament.
London Stage Musicals - 2011 UK
Royal Mail looked back at more than seven decades of popular stage musicals to establish which shows were the most suitable for the set. Criteria included the shows’ origin, writers and composers, longevity and success. A conscious effort was taken to represent the evolving nature of musical theatre, and to include shows based upon successful films and songs from popular artists’ back catalogues
1st Class – Blood Brothers
This 1983 musical by Willy Russell is one of the longest-running plays of all time, with the 1988 West End production still running after over 20 years
This 1983 musical by Willy Russell is one of the longest-running plays of all time, with the 1988 West End production still running after over 20 years
1st Class – Oliver!
With music and lyrics by Lionel Bart, Oliver! first appeared in the West End in 1960, and enjoyed a long run that launched the careers of several child actors. The original London production of Oliver! opened in the New Theatre (now the Noel Coward Theatre) on 30 June, 1960 and ran for 2,618 performances.
With music and lyrics by Lionel Bart, Oliver! first appeared in the West End in 1960, and enjoyed a long run that launched the careers of several child actors. The original London production of Oliver! opened in the New Theatre (now the Noel Coward Theatre) on 30 June, 1960 and ran for 2,618 performances.
A jukebox musical is based on the songs of Queen and named after their hit single of the same name. The show was written by Ben Elton in collaboration with Brian May and Roger Taylor. Opening in the West End in 2002 it has been extended indefinitely making it the longest running show ever at London’s Dominion theatre.
97p – Billy Elliot
Music by Elton John and lyrics by Lee Hall based on the smash hit film, Billy Elliot. Set in the North East of England against the background of the historic 1984/85 miners’ strike, Billy pursues his passion for dance in secret to avoid disapproval of his struggling family. The show opened in London in May 2005.
Music by Elton John and lyrics by Lee Hall based on the smash hit film, Billy Elliot. Set in the North East of England against the background of the historic 1984/85 miners’ strike, Billy pursues his passion for dance in secret to avoid disapproval of his struggling family. The show opened in London in May 2005.
1st Class – Monty Python’s Spamalot
Music and lyrics by Eric Idle and John Du Prez based on the screenplay of the Pythons’ film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail and includes three songs from the 1975 film. The musical tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and their quest for the Holy Grail and features a chorus line of dancing divas (and serfs), flatulent Frenchmen, killer rabbits and a legless knight.
Music and lyrics by Eric Idle and John Du Prez based on the screenplay of the Pythons’ film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail and includes three songs from the 1975 film. The musical tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and their quest for the Holy Grail and features a chorus line of dancing divas (and serfs), flatulent Frenchmen, killer rabbits and a legless knight.
97p – The Rocky Horror Show
Written by Richard O’Brien The Rocky Horror Show premiered at the Theatre Upstairs in June 1973, before establishing itself at the Comedy Theatre in the West End until September 1980, closing the play’s initial run of 2,960 performances
Written by Richard O’Brien The Rocky Horror Show premiered at the Theatre Upstairs in June 1973, before establishing itself at the Comedy Theatre in the West End until September 1980, closing the play’s initial run of 2,960 performances
97p – Me and My Girl
Me and My Girl is a musical with book and lyrics by Douglas Furber and L. Arthur Rose and music by Noel Gay. It takes place in the late 1930s in Hampshire, Mayfair, and Lambeth. The musical had a successful original run on the West End in 1937 and very successful revivals in both London and New York in the 1980s. The show stopper, “The Lambeth Walk”, was the subject of a news story in The Times of October 1938: “While dictators rage and statesmen talk, all Europe dances - to The Lambeth Walk.”
Me and My Girl is a musical with book and lyrics by Douglas Furber and L. Arthur Rose and music by Noel Gay. It takes place in the late 1930s in Hampshire, Mayfair, and Lambeth. The musical had a successful original run on the West End in 1937 and very successful revivals in both London and New York in the 1980s. The show stopper, “The Lambeth Walk”, was the subject of a news story in The Times of October 1938: “While dictators rage and statesmen talk, all Europe dances - to The Lambeth Walk.”
97p – Return to the Forbidden Planet
A jukebox musical by director Bob Carlton based on Shakespeare’s The Tempest and the 1950s sci-fi film Forbidden Planet (which itself drew its plot loosely from The Tempest). Return to the Forbidden Planet started life with the Bubble Theatre Company as a production for open-air performance in a tent. A revised version of the musical opened, indoors, at the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool in the mid-1980s. It later moved to the Tricycle Theatre in London. After some rework a final version opened the Cambridge Theatre in London’s West End in September 1989.
A jukebox musical by director Bob Carlton based on Shakespeare’s The Tempest and the 1950s sci-fi film Forbidden Planet (which itself drew its plot loosely from The Tempest). Return to the Forbidden Planet started life with the Bubble Theatre Company as a production for open-air performance in a tent. A revised version of the musical opened, indoors, at the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool in the mid-1980s. It later moved to the Tricycle Theatre in London. After some rework a final version opened the Cambridge Theatre in London’s West End in September 1989.
Εγγραφή σε:
Αναρτήσεις (Atom)