'Off with her head!'

1952
Photograph of The Queen by Dorothy Wilding used on all British stamps until 1966

In October 1964 Tony Benn became Postmaster General. He immediately widened the scope for commemorative stamps "to celebrate events of national or international importance, to commemorate appropriate anniversaries and occasions, [and] to reflect Britain’s unique contribution to the arts and world affairs".

To do this he asked for suggestions from the public. David Gentleman, the artist and stamp designer, responded.

Gentleman controversially suggested the removal of The Queen’s head from pictorial stamps. He felt that its inclusion often caused problems for designers in terms of space for their work. As a republican Benn was enthusiastic and encouraged Gentleman to submit designs without the monarch’s portrait.

Throughout 1965 a behind-the-scenes battle ensued between Benn and Gentleman on the one hand and the Stamp Advisory Committee, and Palace and postal officials on the other. Benn insisted on Gentleman’s designs being tried out with the words 'Great Britain' or 'U.K. postage'. Gentleman did so for the Churchill memorial issue and then for the Battle of Britain stamps. 

February 1965
Essay of David Getleman's design for Sir Winston Churchill without The Queen's head

For the Robert Burns issue all designers were permitted to submit 'non-traditional' designs (without The Queen’s head).

October 1965
Essay for the Robert BUrns stamp issue (by Jock Kinneir and A B Imrie) without The Queen's head

But by the end of 1965 The Queen had let it be known that she wanted her head to remain on stamps. A compromise was reached: a new small cameo silhouette was created by David Gentleman from the head by Mary Gillick used on pre-decimal coinage.

October 1965
Cameo head by David Gentleman based on Mary Gillick's head on coins

At the same time a remarkable album of stamp designs was commissioned from Gentleman. In this he tried out other ideas to replace The Queen’s head. The wide-ranging themes and bold approach of the 'Gentleman Album' were highly influential in the future development of stamp design.

October 1965
Gentleman Album: John Stringfellow's 1840s steam flying machine, later essayed with the Gillick head and crown

Exclusive: this item features in the exhibition at the RCA

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