ridlej @gomako I can see that working - would be grand to have a very simplistic stamp using hedge rows. It could tie in well with the work I've started (see cup o'tea image i've uploaded) Thanks so much.
Added 2009-11-15 23:14:32. In reply to gomako

ridlej @Porsupah Thanks so much; It's been rather difficult to try & pin down things that are typically British, yet try to stray from what may be considered common stereotypes - I wanted to do a full series based on what I felt was truly British behaviour, looking at things like 'moaning about the weather' , 'our love of queuing' etc etc .. but after some consideration I thought it may come across as quite derogatory & self depricating - which ironically I'd feel is most definately British.. however I had to rein that back in as the success of the work has to lie in it's appeal to a wide audience, and of course Royal Mail can't print them if they're too risqué.
Added 2009-11-15 23:05:22.

Porsupah Iconic industrial designs come to mind, such as the various flavors of postbox and telephone booth, both known worldwide; a particular highlight of the latter might, of course, be the police box, epitomised by Doctor Who, an utterly quintessentially British show.

On the culinary front, there's much that British cuisine has to offer, despite its maligned popular reputation; not that I'd imagine the Royal Mail would go for such a design, but it can't be denied that Britain remains one of the foremost brewing nations of the world, with a wealth of small breweries in every corner of the country - not forgetting farmhouse cider, of course.

Popular authors and their characters suggest themselves, of course, including C.S.Lewis, a.a.milne, Lewis Carroll, and Beatrix Potter.
Added 2009-11-15 15:32:56.

gomako It may seem a little strange and fairly dull, but hedgerows are pretty much a uniquely British, well, Britain and our European ancestors (Holland, Germany etc) anyhow. They have a big role in providing habitats for wildlife, and farmers are encouraged to keep them.
Added 2009-11-15 12:19:22.

ridlej Hi guys,

I'm currently working on a project for the Royal Society of Arts and I'm in search of idea's on what's truly British in a modern and historical sense.

I've got to design 16 postage stamps to represent Eng, Wales, Scotland & N. Ireland - 4 per nation.

The full 16 have to show a strong visual language and promote a solid sense of continuity throughout. I'm trying to get away from regional and national stereotypes and think 'outside the box.'

I've uploaded a preview of a basic idea I've been toying with for an England / Britain stamp.

Ultimately if I were to have my work 'win' I'd go ahead to receive a fellowship to the RSA & Royal Mail may print my work for sale.

Thanks to everyone in advance for any responses, this kind of feedback will prove invaluable in the progression of my work


Added 2009-11-15 09:28:24.