DESIGNING AUSTRALIA : MODERNITY AND THE STAMP 1936-1998

DESIGNING AUSTRALIA : MODERNITY AND THE STAMP 1936-1998

“Here is an effective and succinct tale of modernism. A most readable account, and through the stamps exhibited, the exhibition points towards modernism’s logical conclusion in post modernism”.

Naomi Cass (1998) “Designing Australia: Modernity and the Stamp 1936-1998”, The Herald Sun May 8 1998 p87

In 1997 Sally Gray proposed an exhibition concept to Australia Post focusing on Australian modernism as expressed in the graphic design of Australian stamps. She researched and selected examples of proto-modern, modernist and post-modern graphic design for Australian stamps. The preliminary designs and finished printed stamp designs were shown in the Postmaster Gallery at the Australian Philatelic Centre in Melbourne. The catalogue included commissioned essays on styles of representation on stamps, Australian graphic design history and changing perceptions about national visual identity.

Image credits

Left: Gert Sellheim, Zoological series 1948, adopted design

Above right: Sydney Ball, Christmas 1968, unadopted design

Below right: Erica McGilchrist, 11^th Congress of the international Union of Building Societies and Savings Associations 1968, preliminary design 1967

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