Design and Designers of Nigerian Postage Stamp

Abstract

Conceptually, codified signs and symbols are the two most apparent forerunners of postage stamp, divergently displayed by some of the world’s foremost civilizations. Many of whom are contributors to the world artistic tradition; among them are Egypt, Persia, Greek, Rome, Ifè and Old Òyó of Southwestern Nigeria. Necessity however, led the British government to officially launch postage stamp; a small piece of paper with adhesive cum design surface in the year 1840; a development that brought among other things standard in generation and distribution of mails globally. An experience Lagos, Nigeria has been enjoying since 1874 being a colony of Britain. 1914 however, was significant in the history of Nigeria because her amalgamation was commemorated with an official postage stamp. It is however regrettable that after a century of indigenous operation, she is yet to meet global practices where practitioners are recognized among others. This paper examines the emergence, designs, productions, themes and designers of postage stamp in Nigeria.

Keywords: philatelic, post office, postage stamp, postage stamp design, postage stamp designers