Royal Mail Unveils Enchanting Mythical Creatures Stamp Collection

British folklore’s most captivating creatures are about to begin journeys across the nation as Royal Mail reveals its latest special stamp collection celebrating the UK’s rich mythological heritage.

From Monsters to Mischief-Makers

The eight-stamp collection, available to the public from 27 March, showcases an eclectic array of supernatural beings drawn from regional folklore across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Award-nominated illustrator Adam Simpson has spent over a year crafting intricate designs that capture centuries of storytelling tradition in miniature form.

Among the featured mythical beings is Scotland’s famous Loch Ness Monster, depicted gliding through misty waters. From Wales comes the flower maiden Blodeuwedd, a woman conjured from blossoms in the medieval tale of Math fab Mathonwy. Northern Ireland’s legendary giant Fionn mac Cumhaill, credited with building the Giant’s Causeway, stands alongside East Anglia’s spectral hound Black Shuck.

The collection delves into lesser-known regional tales too, featuring Yorkshire and Lancashire’s long-armed grindylows – water sprites said to lurk beneath the surface waiting to snatch curious children. Cornwall’s mischievous piskies, notorious for leading travelers astray and pilfering household items, dance across another stamp. The shape-shifting selkies of Orkney and Shetland, who shed seal skins to assume human form, are captured mid-transformation.

Rounding out the collection is a dynamic portrayal of the climactic battle between the hero Beowulf and the monster Grendel from Anglo-Saxon literature – a composition Simpson describes as particularly challenging to render at stamp scale.

Preserving Cultural Heritage Through Art

“Creating these illustrations became a real passion project,” Simpson explained during the collection’s unveiling. “Each design not only represents a fascinating story but also connects to a specific region’s identity. I hope these stamps spark curiosity about our folkloric traditions.”

The London-based artist, whose previous credits include commemorative designs for the 2012 Olympics, noted the unique difficulties of stamp illustration: “Working at such a reduced scale demands precision in both composition and storytelling. Every element must remain clear and impactful despite the limitations of size.”

David Gold, Royal Mail’s director of external affairs and policy, emphasized the cultural significance of the collection: “These regional myths and legends form a fundamental part of local identity throughout the UK. They’re as much a defining characteristic of our diverse regions as their geography or architecture.”

The Myths and Legends collection continues Royal Mail’s century-long tradition of special stamp programs, which began in 1924 with commemorations of the British Empire Exhibition. Pre-orders for the collection open on 21 March, with the full set expected to become a prized addition for both philatelists and folklore enthusiasts alike.

You can order them from the Royal Mail website.