June 23, 2012, is the Centenary of Alan Turing’s birth in London. During his relatively brief life, Turing made a unique impact on the history of computing, computer science, artificial intelligence, developmental biology, and the mathematical theory of computability.
Bletchley Park puts its stamp on Turing Centenary.
On 23rd February Bletchley Park will release four first day covers celebrating Alan Turing’s centenary year. Each will carry a single 1st class Royal Mail “Turing Bombe” stamp cancelled with a unique first day of issue postmark.
The intention is to restrict the issue to just 500 of each. Produced in association with the Alan Turing Centenary Year Committee and Bletchley Park Post Office, proceeds will go towards supporting the preservation of Bletchley Park. The cover can be previewed and ordered at bletchleycovers.com
The first design is by Rebecca Peacock of Firecatcher Design and the theme is Turing’s work on the mathematics of patterns. It was Turing’s genius for mathematics that made his work so vital to Bletchley Park and the development of modern computing.
The other three are original paintings by artist Steve Williams who has donated his work to Bletchley Park. They depict three buildings at Bletchley Park associated with Alan Turing. These are the cottage and hut where he worked and the room that housed the Bombe machines.
The stamp features a rebuilt Turing Bombe. The first day of issue postmark is a facsimile of one of the Bombe’s 36 rotor wheels.
More information can be obtained on the issue through bletchleycovers.com or calling 0044 (0)1908 363489 or Terry Mitchell, 01604 781440. email: terry@ltmp.co.uk
