Happy Birthday Phil Stamp Covers

Ten years ago, just before the London Stamp Exhibition 2000 at Earls Court, I came up with the idea of having a cartoon character to accompany the new Royal Mail Smilers® sheets that were to be issued at the show.

As many of you may already know Jack Edward Oliver, my cousin, originally designed and drew the illustrations that would appear on the covers. The first cover produced was purely for my own collection and was never made available to collectors. This cover featured stamps from the first smilers sheets, and the associated labels carried a photograph of yours truly – not a pretty sight!

To celebrate this momentous event, Hunt Emerson and I have designed a limited edition commemorative sheet and cover to be issued on 22 May – the cancellation date on the stamp show cover. I recommend that you place you orders early, as I foresee these highly collectible items selling fast.

Over the coming months I will also be making available some rare Phil Stamp covers that have never been seen before. So keep your eyes peeled for forthcoming Issue Updates!

~ Steve Oliver