Date of Issue : 1 November 2011
Christmas – Stained Glass
The art of creating coloured glass is ancient, and was originally practiced by both the Egyptians and the Romans. Stained glass, or sometimes thin slices of alabaster set in wooden frames to create a similar effect, has been used in churches and other stately buildings the world over since the Middle Ages. At a time when much of Europe was illiterate, churches in particular took advantage of the use of stained glass—frequently depicting vivid and expressive scenes from the Bible—to visually reinforce their teachings. An art-form in itself, stained glass is often referred to as ‘pictorial art’ or described as ‘illuminated wall decorations.’
Three of this year’s Christmas commemorative stamps from Canada Post showcase scenes from the magnificent stained-glass windows of the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Kingston, ON, which was built nearly a century and a half ago. The windows were originally imported from England. Over the years, several installation projects, additions and changes have been undertaken. This work includes a complete restoration of the windows, which began in 1993, done on site by glass and installation artist Mark Thompson, using much the same methods employed for the past thousand years.
The scenes for the stamps are chosen to depict the story of Jesus’ birth.
Club News
Spl cover on floating post office, Biscoe School released during CHINAR 2011
Srinagar, Sep 27: The second day function of Chinar 2011 J &K Philatelic Exhibition organized by Department of Posts, J &K Circle, continued and special cover on Floating Post Office, Kesar (Saffron) were released by Chief guest Lt. Gen. K T Parnaik (GOC northern command).
John Samuel, Chief Postmaster General while releasing the special cover on Tyndale Biscoe School said that department of posts is opening two more post offices, one at Changla Pass in Leh and other at Khardongla Leh (world`s highest point of motorable road).
Special covers on Kesar , floating post office andTyndale Bisco were releasedAround 450 Students from various schools participated in the Letter Writing Competition arranged by the Department on the theme of “Letter to my mother”. Workshop on Philately for students was conducted in the afternoon followed by Group Discussion on topic ‘Future of Post Offices’.
Today special covers on Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Dal lake were released and Quiz Contest for students was held besides workshop for students .
Sacred Stamp Award award for Croatian Post
Croatian Post received a special award this week for a stamp entitled "400 years of the Capuchins in Croatia" by Ariane Norsic. The 29th International philatelic awards which includes as category for sacred art on postage stamps known as "San Gabriel", was held in Legnago, Italy.
The competition saw Croatian Post singled out as among the best in the world for stamps containing religious messages. Philatelic award Winners are selected annually, by an international jury composed of eleven philatelists.
Danilo Bogon, the main organizer and coordinator of the international philatelic awards, highlighted the exceptional quality of Croatian postage stamps in their visual communication. The stamp found favour with the jury, who admired the way in which the Capuchin Order and the importance and role of Leopold Mandic had been depicted.
