Tuesday, March 31, 2009

New Stamp on Darwin By Ireland..



Date of Issue - 20 March 2009


Hi ! Here is the recent stamp issued on Charles Darwin, the greatest naturalist of all time. His Bicentenary is being celebrated this year. 200 years ago on 12 February, 1809, Charles Darwin was born. Charles Darwin caused a revolution in how we see the world when he published his theory of natural selection in his book "On the Origin of the Species" in 1859. To celebrate the bicentenary of his birth Irish Stamps has issued an 82c stamp. The stamp features a pen and ink drawing of Charles Darwin by Henry Furniss. The first day cover features the Tree of Life Sketch from Charles Darwin's Transmutation Notebook 'B'. Here is the nice stamp. It's a philatelic tribute to the great naturalist.This is all for today ! ...Till Next Post.....Have a Nice Time !




Charles Darwin
Darwin was born in Shropshire, England. Having initially followed in his father's footsteps studying medicine, Darwin later transferred to Cambridge to pursue a liberal arts education. He became fascinated by natural history and botany. In 1831, his botanist friend and mentor John Stevens Henslow gave him a chance to join an expedition to South America aboard the HMS Beagle.



Darwin's discovery that mockingbirds on the Galápagos Islands were distinct from those in Chile and from island to island - was the turning point in his life. In 1859, his ideas about evolution were published in a controversial book, On the Origin of the Species by Means of Natural Selection. Charles Darwin died in Kent in 1882.
Courtesy - An Post (Ireland)

Monday, March 30, 2009

Mushrooms - The Gilled Fungi ......





Hi! I have selected a beautiful set of stamps depicting Mushrooms issued by Malta on 27 March 2009. This beautiful set of five stamps shows varieties of fungi found in Malta and Gozo . The five varieties chosen for this issue are Laetiporus sulphureus (Euro 0.05), Montagnea arenaria (Euro 0.12), Pleurotus eryngii (Euro 0.19), Inonotus indicus (Euro 0.26), Suillus collinitus (Euro 1.57). Fungi are a group of organisms and micro-organisms that are classified within their own kingdom, the fungal kingdom, as they are neither plant nor animal. Fungi draw their nutrition from decaying organic matter, living plants and even animals. Many play an important role in the natural cycle as decomposers and the return of nutrients to the soil. Fungi are used for medical purposes, such as in penicillin as well as in the preparation of a variety of food. The edible varieties of Mushrooms are very popular amongst vegetarians. But there are Mushrooms which highly posionous. There are several varieties of Mushrooms found all over the world many of them are highly useful in preparation of medicines and delicacies. I am giving below details about Mushrooms.This is all for today !......Till Next Post .........Have a Nice Time !........

Date of Issue - 27 March 2009
Mushrooms
A mushroom is the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus, typically produced above ground on soil or on its food source. The standard for the name "mushroom" is the cultivated white button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus, hence the word mushroom is most often applied to those fungi (Basidiomycota, Agaricomycetes) that have a stem (stipe), a cap (pileus), and gills (lamellae, sing. lamella) on the underside of the cap, just as do store-bought white mushrooms. The word "mushroom" can also be used for a wide variety of gilled fungi, with or without stems, and the term is used even more generally, to describe both the fleshy fruiting bodies of some Ascomycota and the woody or leathery fruiting bodies of some Basidiomycota, depending upon the context of the word.

Forms deviating from the standard morphology usually have more specific names, such as "puffball", "stinkhorn", and "morel", and gilled mushrooms themselves are often called "agarics" in reference to their similarity to Agaricus or their placement in the order Agaricales. By extension, the term "mushroom" can also designate the entire fungus when in culture or the thallus (called a mycelium) of species forming the fruiting bodies called mushrooms, or the species itself.

Edible Mushrooms
Edible mushrooms are used extensively in cooking, in many cuisines . Though mushrooms are commonly thought to have little nutritional value, many species are high in fiber and provide vitamins .Though not normally a significant source of vitamin D, some mushrooms can become significant sources after exposure to ultraviolet light, though this also darkens their skin. Mushrooms are also a source of some minerals, including iron, selenium, potassium and phosphorus. Most mushrooms that are sold in markets have been commercially grown on mushroom farms. The most popular of these, Agaricus bisporus, is generally considered safe for most people to eat because it is grown in controlled, sterilized environments, though some individuals do not tolerate it well.

There are a number of species of mushroom that are poisonous, and although some resemble certain edible species, eating them could be fatal. Eating mushrooms gathered in the wild is risky and should not be undertaken by individuals not knowledgeable in mushroom identification, unless the individuals limit themselves to a relatively small number of good edible species that are visually distinctive. More generally, and particularly with gilled mushrooms, separating edible from poisonous species requires meticulous attention to detail; there is no single trait by which all toxic mushrooms can be identified, nor one by which all edible mushrooms can be identified.

People who collect mushrooms for consumption are known as mycophagists, and the act of collecting them for such is known as mushroom hunting, or simply "Mushrooming".

Toxic Mushrooms
Many species of Mushrooms produce secondary metabolites that render them toxic, mind-altering, or even bioluminescent.Although there are only a small number of deadly species, several others can cause particularly severe and unpleasant symptoms.Toxicity likely plays a role in protecting the function of the basidiocarp: the mycelium has expended considerable energy and protoplasmic material to develop a structure to efficiently distribute its spores. One defense against consumption and premature destruction is the evolution of chemicals that render the mushroom inedible, either causing the consumer to vomit the meal, or to learn to avoid consumption altogether.

Psychoactive Mushrooms
Psilocybin mushrooms possess psychedelic properties. They are commonly known as "magic mushrooms" "mushies" or "shrooms" and are available in smart shops in many parts of the world, though some countries have outlawed their sale. Because of their psychoactive properties, some mushrooms have played a role in native medicine, where they have been used in an attempt to effect mental and physical healing, and to facilitate visionary states.

Medicinal Mushrooms
Currently, many species of mushrooms and fungi used in folk medicine for thousands of years are under intense study by ethnobotanists and medical researchers. Maitake, shiitake, Agaricus blazei, chaga, and reishi are prominent among those being researched for their potential anti-cancer, anti-viral, or immunity-enhancing properties. Psilocybin, originally an extract of certain psychedelic mushrooms, is being studied for its ability to help people suffering from mental disease, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder. Minute amounts have been reported to stop cluster and migraine headaches.

In a recent case-control study of the eating habits of 2,018 woman, consumption of mushrooms was linked with approximately 50% reduction in breast cancer. Woman who consumed mushrooms and green tea had a 90% lower occurrence of breast cancer.


Other uses
Mushrooms can be used for dyeing wool and other natural fibers. The chromophores of mushrooms are organic compounds and produce strong and vivid colors, and all colors of the spectrum can be achieved with mushroom dyes. Before the invention of synthetic dyes mushrooms were the source of many textile dyes.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Great Artists - Jack Bush...




'Striped Column' by Jack Bush


Hi ! here are the latest stamps issued by Canada on 20 March 2009 depicting the masterpieces of Great artist ,Jack Bush.It also marks 100 years of the artist's birth.The series is referred to as Masterpieces of Canadian Art. All the items issued for this issue are magnificent and sure to attract the art lovers as well as those collecting stamps on art and artists. The famous masterpiece depicted on above stamps shows Bush's painting "Stripped Column" with the bright colours of Rainbow. Just Beautiful ! Have a look to these fabulous philatelic items on art !........Till Next Post......Have a Wonderful Time !







Jack Bush
Jack Bush was born in Toronto in 1909, he spent most of his childhood in Montreal. Bush began his professional career as a landscape artist in 1929, and ten years later, he ran a commercial art business by day and attended the Ontario College of Art by night. Most Canadian artists of the time were sheltered from foreign influence but Bush’s art changed dramatically upon seeing the work of American Abstract Expressionists in New York City.






The stamp brings together Bush’s complex and imaginative use of colour. The paintings entitled Striped Column (1964) and Chopsticks (1977) were chosen for their contrasting shape and colour, highlighting the boldness in one and the softness in the other. The photograph on the Souvenir Sheet provides a glimpse of the large scale of this Canadian painter’s art by showing Bush painting on a canvas alongside the step-ladder he often required to reach the top of his canvas.

Courtesy - Canada Post



Saturday, March 28, 2009

For Speed Lovers - Motorsport... !






Hi ! In today's post I have some special items for speed Lovers ! Here are the most exciting and thrilling stamps issued by New Zealand on Motosport.Kiwis are known for their adventurousness Motorsport has been part of their life. Well the place where the event takes place is always buzzing with excitement.The atmosphere is all sounds, smells and sights – the rumble of engines gunning, the smell of fuel burning and a huge cacophony of noise .Fans of Motorsport watch the race spellbound by the speed of the vehicles.This is all what you will view through these fantastic stamps issued on 4 February 2009. This exciting post is for this Weekend. Till Next Post ...Have a Nice Time !....



This is a special way that New Zealand’s heroes of the track are being celebrated on these stamps.

50c – Scott Dixon

Scott Dixon clinched the United States’ premier motor racing championship in 2008. It was the culmination of 15 years’ hard work.




$1.00 – Bruce McLaren


Bruce McLaren’s legendary rise to superstardom has inspired all – from his first competitive hill-climb in a highly tweaked Austin 7 Ulster at the age of just 14 to international fame and a string of Formula One successes. A talented, innovative race car designer, driver, engineer and inventor, his name lives on in Team McLaren today.



$1.50 – Ivan Mauger

In the 1960s and ‘70s, every speedway night at Western Springs was packed with crowds following the New Zealand motorcycle team, headed by Ivan Mauger. Mauger was a true legend in his lifetime. He was voted Speedway magazine’s ‘Millennium Man’: the greatest speedway rider of the 20th century.




$2.00 – Denny Hulme

Born and raised on a tobacco farm in Motueka, Denny Hulme left school to work in a garage and immediately started saving for an MG TF, in which he promptly entered a hill-climbing event. This guy lived to race – whether it was in a small sports car, a huge truck or a race car on the Formula One circuit. He loved driving barefoot – until 1960, when he was persuaded to start racing with shoes on.


$2.50 – Hugh Anderson

He may be New Zealand's least-known motorcycle racing success story, but Hugh Anderson well and truly deserves his place in this motorsport hall of fame. Now in his 70s, he was the king of the Grand Prix motorcycle world, succeeding where others failed – especially on bikes with lower cc ratings.
Courtesy - New Zealand Post

Friday, March 27, 2009

Special Stamps for Easter !




Earth Hour !


Hi! As the Easter Holiday appoaching new stamps are being issued by different postal administrations. These stamps are offered as a festive decoration to adorn cards and letters in 2009. Here is a recent stamp from Hungary issued on 24 February 2009 for this speical occasion. In the middle of the composition, in the distance there is a shepherd in a black hat surrounded by white lambs, the harbingers of spring and renascence. In the foreground life-giving ears of wheat can be seen beneath the blue sky. The painting is also a portrayal of Christ crucified.The other nice stamp issued by Finland shows Easter dish. What a lovely stamp! A nice Easter Post Card in the shape of egg issued by Hungary Post.Here is one more booklet issued by Finland for the festive time.All the stamps are just beautiful and best for sending special cards and letters to friends and relatives. This is all for today .....!...... Its Earth hour........Switch off Light......Save Energy !......and.... Save Our Earth !.......Till Next Post.......Have a Nice Time.!.....




Date of Issue - 24 February 2009




Easter Dish







Easter Post Card from Hungary




It's Festive Time !

Special occasion booklet by Finland

It's going to be Earth Hour !






Hi ! 28 March 8.30 P.M. is going to be Eath Hour ! Earth Hour is an initiative of WWF , conceived to raise awareness of global warming and to show how the small actions of individuals can together make a big difference in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping save the planet. I just received this nice cover from Lativia issued on "Preserve the Polar Regions and Glaciers" sent by Mr. E.N. Limonsky. I think it is the best cover for this evening and remind everyone for saving the earth from Climate Change and Global warming. Thanks a lot Mr. Limonsky for such a nice cover !


Remember - It's going to be Earth Hour 28 March 2009 8.30 P.M.



Lights Out


Switch Off


Save Energy






A Note of thanks !.......for this Post to Mr. E.N. Limonsky from Lativia .....and Mr. Mahendra Sharma from Guwahati, India.


I also received some very beautiful Post Cards and a special cover issued by Assam Circle of India Post so kindly sent by our member Mr. Mahendra Sharma from Guwahati. Thanks a lot Mr. Sharma for these nice Cards and cover !


Special Cover - Kamakhya Temple - Guwahati


Sunset at Brahmaputra



Shaktipith


Kamakhya Temple Guwahati

Voyage in Brahmaputra


Backside of the card


Thursday, March 26, 2009

Amazing Animals on New Zealand Coins !



Giants of New Zealand


Hi ! I recently wrote about the new wonderful Giant Stamps issued by New Zealand depicting giant animals. Now I have just come across the wonderful coins which are so beautiful and amazing and are sure to be every one's delight. These were released as a special collection in March 2009, the coins celebrate a fascinating aspect of New Zealand’s natural heritage – five gargantuan animals unique to a landscape formed more than 80 million years ago. The collection of these coins is the best way to know about these ‘giants’ of natural heritage of the world. Crafted to specimen quality from pure .999 silver bullion, they depict the giant eagle, giant moa, colossal squid, southern right whale and giant weta in meticulous detail. In the background, a koru (spiral) represents the unfurling frond of a New Zealand native fern – a traditional Maori design that symbolises new life and purity.These were issued on 4 March alongwith the issuance of Giant stamps. One more coin issued by New Zealand this year depicts Kiwi - the icon of New Zealand. I just showed thses beautiful coins as many philatelists are fond of coin collection too. This will add a new gem in their collection. Just fascinating and fantastic ! This is all for today !......Till Next Post......Have a Wonderful Time !





The new Icons of New Zealand coin series will run over 3 years and will celebrate the uniqueness of this country. A new design will be issued each year depicting a kiwi with another icon of New Zealand’s beautiful natural environment.


Kiwi
The design of the pure gold and silver coins in 2009 reflects the strong connection the internationally recognised kiwi has with the land and with New Zealand. The position of the stylised map on the coin represents New Zealand’s location in the Southern Hemisphere.Unique to New Zealand and once numbered in the millions, sadly all five species of kiwi are now listed as endangered and are rarely seen in their natural habitat. The rarest kiwi species is the rowi and, with only a few hundred left, it is now only found in the wild in a very small region of the South Island. The survival of the kiwi for future generations is dependant on the success of breeding and protection programmes set up by sanctuaries across New Zealand.

Courtesy - New Zealand
Post

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

It's Music Time !.....





A Tribute to Israeli Music !


Hi ! I have recently come across a wonderful special musical gift set issued by Israel Post which consists of Israeli Music Special Sheet, a booklet with information about each music artist in English and in Hebrew and an audio CD with a selection of Israeli Music songs of the artists represented on the stamp sheet. This CD has been complied especially for the stamp sheet issue. What a nice idea - an ideal gift for music lovers ! Its a unique item and one time memento, entirely dedicated to great Israeli Music artists. It pays a tribute to Israeli Music. The miniature sheet depicts all famous artists around the CD. Well the Music issues are always wonderful to see. I love these stamps a lot as Music is one of my favourite past-times. I love listening to music while doing some other work. Here is the beautiful Miniature sheet. It will become favourite of all those collecting stamps on Music Theme as well as amongst the lovers of Music ! I recently got a nice set of stamps of Thailand depicting Rainbow from my fellow Blogger Mr. Kasinath of My Watercraft Philately.This set was issued by Thailand in 1989 to commemorate Children's Day. Besides rainbow the stamps depict lovely paintings and art work made by the kids. Thank you so much Mr. Kasinath for these nice stamps depicting Rainbow ! .....My Favourite !...... This is all for today....Till Next Post.....Have a wonderful time.!.....






A Note of Thanks !.....For these Nice stamps .......To Mr. Kasinath, Madurai



Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Unique Natural Heritage - Giants of New Zealand



Date of Issue - 4 March 2009


Hi ! Here are the recent wonderful Giant stamps from New Zealand issued on 4 March 2009 depicting its natural heritage. These stamps are 28 percent larger than normal stamps with the images of some rare giant animals of New Zealnd . New Zealand’s biodiversity is one of the most unusual on Earth, owing to its lengthy isolation from other continents. It's fauna reflects this uniqueness, evolving into distinctive and often enormous native birds, such as the giant moa and giant eagle, archaic insects like the giant weta, and mammoth ocean dwellers including the colossal squid and southern right whale. The stamps are brightly coloured with bold images of the animals giving a complete giant appearance of these rare animals. All five creatures featured on the stamps come together to form a uniquely shaped miniature sheet. The FDCs , stamps and Miniature sheets are equally amazing and going to be a collector's delight. Enjoy these fantastic issues from New Zealand ! .......& ...Have a Nice Time !





50c – Giant MoaBelieved to have become extinct around 500 years ago, the South Island giant moa was the tallest bird ever, with some reaching a massive three metres in height.

$1.00 – Colossal SquidFrom the depths of the southern oceans comes the colossal squid with its formidable tentacles equipped with sharp, swivelling hooks.Historically captured by a New Zealand fishing boat off Antarctica in 2007.




$1.50 – Southern Right WhaleA favourite of early whalers owing to their size and slow speed, southern right whales were easier to catch and yielded more oil than other whales. Hence, the early settlers described this giant species as ‘the right whale’. It rightly earns a spot as a Giant of New Zealand in this collection.

$2.00 – Giant EagleNew Zealand's giant eagle was the world’s largest eagle, believed to have become extinct around the same time as the giant moa. This littleknown ‘Lord of the forest’ with its tiger-like talons and three-metre wingspan, returns in this very special Giants series.

$2.50 – Giant WetaDespite its horror-movie looks, this 10-centimetre-long insect is a peaceful creature, eating mostly leaves, flowers and fruit. With most species of giant weta endangered, it now survives mainly on protected islands.
Courtesy - New Zealand Post

Monday, March 23, 2009

World Tuberculosis Day: Stop the savage killer !




Hi ! It is 24 March. World Tuberculosis Day, held annually on 24 March, commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch presented his discovery of the TB bacillus to a group of doctors in Berlin. Every year, World TB Day focuses on the efforts of frontline TB care providers and their crucial role in stopping TB. The message on this World Tuberculosis Day, , is to spread the awareness that sticking to the prescribed drug regimen is the only way to beat this dreaded disease… The entire course of first line DOTS treatment lasts between six and nine months, costs about Rs. 2000. with the second line drugs, the course runs for two years and costs about Rs. 2 lakh. So if proper medicine is taken timely the disease can be prevented.Here are the Meghdoot Post Cards issued by India Post to create awareness about the ptreventiom of this deadly disease. This is a special Post for Today with some updates in Club News !.........Till Next Post ........Have a Nice Time !




Taming the monster: TB is curable provided one has the will to fight it....

Depending on the way it is handled, Mycobacterium tuberculosis can actually be a gentle monster or a savage killer. While conforming to prescribed drug regimens can gently persuade the monster to leave, forsaking the dosage is tantamount to invoking its entire and wholesome wrath.

That then is the challenge this World Tuberculosis Day. With the threat of drug-resistant strains of TB now a certain reality, how does the nation ensure that it can prevent the danse macabre of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis? While drugs are integral, spreading awareness about the need to stick to drug regimens and continue with the full course of the treatment is surely the road to take.


Club News

Miniature sheet of Childeren's Day 2008
Long awaited Miniature sheet is now avaialable at different Philatelic Bureaus of the country. It was issued last year on 14 November 2008 but due to certain reasons it was not available at Philatelic Bureaus with its seperate stamps.

Stampmania 2009
Entry Form for participation to STAMPMANIA 2009 is available at its official website http://www.stampmania2009.com/ options have been provided to download Entry Form in pdf format, which you can fill and print electronically. Printed Entry Form duly signed may be sent to STAMPMANIA 2009 Secretariat with particulars of Entry Fees. Alternately you can fill online Entry Form at the website and for confirmation and for your record purpose print it and send one copy duly signed with particulars of fees to STAMPMANIA 2009 Secretariat. Hit Submit button to submit the Entry Form online.Three options for making payment of Entry Fees has been provided. You can send the fees by Demand Draft or AT PAR Cheque in favour of Baroda Philatelic Society, Can send fees by Money Order or you can deposit the amount in any branch of BANK OF BARODA in Account No. 01900100006809 of Baroda Philatelic Society.Details of Hall Layouts, Dealers' booth, Article on Social Philately etc. will be available at the website very soon.




Embroidery stamp by Austria
The unique stamps are very popular these days among collectors. One of such stamps is an Embroidered stamp issued by Austria on 19September 2008.A new “embroidered” creation: the Gentian stamp is, like the first embroidered commemorative “Edelweiss”, a product of the Austrian embroiderers Hämmerle & Vogel. The commemorative is being sent around the world, telling the stories of embroidery and Alpine plants. The threads and the colour follow the natural shape of the Clusius gentian (gentiana clusii), discovered around 100 BC by King Gentius of Illyr. For more details about this beautiful stamp Mr. Pradip Jain may be contacted. E-Mail : philapradip@gmail.com

Virtual International Philatelic Exhibition EXPONET

See collection of Mr. Prashant Pandya, Vadodara- India - THE STORY OF MILK

Thematic Exhibit:

THE STORY OF MILKfrom Prashant H. PANDYA, INDIA

http://www.japhila.cz/hof/0508/index0508a.htm


http://www.japhila.cz/exponet/pictures/CV_PANP.jpg

Last five on line exhibits on EXPONET: http://www.exponet.info/

Traditional philately:

THE PENNY DOMINION OF NEW ZEALAND AND ITS USAGE

from Paul H. TYLER, USA

Postal History:

NATIONALITY INCOMING AFTER...

from Karol MICZA, POLAND

Aerophilately:

THE AIRCRAFT OF AIR FORCE PLANT #4 Ft. WORTH, TEXASA

STUDY OF NASA VIP CARDSfrom Ray E. CARTIER,

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Sunday, March 22, 2009

New stamps on Astronomy





Hi ! The year 2009 has been designated by the International Astronomical Union and UNESCO as the International Year of Astronomy, marking the 400th anniversary of the invention of the astronomical telescope by Galileo Galilei – the first person to turn a research telescope toward the sky, opening new horizons for scientists and expanding the boundaries of the known universe. Here is a recent set of stamps with se-tenant tags issued by Israel to commemorate International Year of Astronomy.This stamp series displays three milestones in the field of astronomical measuring which greatly impact our understanding of the universe: Jacob's Staff – Gersonides,Gravitational Lensing and LISA (Laser Interferometer Space). Astronomy is also the theme for EUROPA 2009. Postal Adninistrations all over Europe are issuing stamps on Astronomy as a common theme for all European countries. I have written about some issues in my last posts. Here are some more forthcoming issues on EUROPA theme by Vatican City and San Marino. All the stamps have been beautifully designed to commemorate this special year in the memory of great inventor and astronomer Galileo Galilei who first pointed a telescope at the night sky and saw, among other things, the four moons around Jupiter and the mountains on the Moon. All the issues on Astronomy of this year are dedicated to Galileo whose contribution is regarded as a landmark in the field of astronomy. This is all for today !................ Till Next Post............Have a Nice Time !



Forthcoming Issues on EUROPA 2009 - Year of Astronomy




San Marino - 1 April 2009





Vatican City - 20 May 2009


Saturday, March 21, 2009

Pioneers of the Industrial Revolution




Date of Issue – 10 March 2009

Hi ! In today's Post some new stamps by Royal Mail depicting great inventions which brought industrial revolution in the world. The comfortable life, we are leading today is the result of great effort done by scientists and Inventors in the past. We owe a lot to them who made our life easier, comfortable and a bit luxurious.The Industrial Revolution changed lives, working practices and our landscape in countless ways. This special issue pays tribute to the people who had the vision, knowledge and drive to make it happen.The Pioneers of the Industrial Revolution shown in this stamp issue did more than just invent machines. They also built the infrastructure of roads, railways and canals that moved raw materials to the factories; took finished goods to market and laid the foundation for today’s mass transportation system.This issue also marks the 250th anniversary of one of the pioneers of the Industrial Revolution, Josiah Wedgwood, setting up his own pottery works in Burslem, Staffordshire, Matthew Boulton’s bicentenary and the 250th anniversary of James Brindley commencing the historic Bridgewater Canal from Worsley to Manchester. Here are the nice stamps by Royal Mail commemorating the Pioneers of the Industrial Revolution . This is all for today !......Have a Nice weekend !




Pioneers of the Industrial Revolution

1st Class – Matthew Boulton – Manufacturing

(1728-1809) A Birmingham factory owner and engineer whose Soho works and capital facilitated the manufacture of James Watt’s steam engines. Boulton and Watt’s engines had all manner of applications, from powering manufacturing machinery to keeping mines drained.

1st Class – James Watt – Steam Engineering


(1736-1819) Probably the strongest contender for the title of father of the steam age because of his years of hard work in improving the Newcomen design by getting the steam to condense in a separate chamber to the piston.

50p – Richard Arkwright – Textiles


(1732-1792) Generally credited with having invented the ‘water frame and sometimes known as the ‘father of the industrial revolution’. The water frame was capable of producing long lengths of cotton thread strong enough for the warp in cloth, and Arkwright opened the world’s first water-powered cotton mill in Derbyshire.

50p – Josiah Wedgwood – Ceramics


(1730-1795) Wedgwood not only pioneered the industrial production of ceramics, he was an archetypical industrialist of the age: religious dissenter, anti-slavery campaigner and member of the Lunar Society.

56p – George Stephenson – Railways


(1781-1848) Stephenson invented or developed several aspects of rail transport which are still with us to this day, including flanged wheels, and the standard gauge. Aside from building the Rocket, he worked very hard to improve the quality of the cast iron for the rails to ensure they did not snap.

56p – Henry Maudslay – Machine Making


(1771-1831). Maudslay saw that the new age of machines would require metal to be worked with precision. He pioneered the making of the machines – lathes, drills, planning machines, etc. which were used to make the other machines of the revolution.

72p – James Brindley – Canal Engineering


(1716-1772) One of the most important engineers of the eighteenth century and a maker of canals, most notably the Bridgewater, started in 1759, which set the template for later canals. Brindley also pioneered many of the techniques that were later used in railway building.

72p – John McAdam – Road Building


(1756-1836). While Thomas Telford is usually the major celebrity of Industrial Revolution transport infrastructure, it was McAdam’s designs and building techniques that created Britain’s first decent all-weather roads.
Courtesy - Royal Mail