Ireland’s first ever lenticular stamp will be issued by An Post today to celebrate The 2006 Ryder Cup being held in Ireland.
The limited edition Ryder Cup stamps feature lenticular images, which appear to move when the stamp is tilted. This innovative design feature has never before been seen on an Irish stamp, has never been used in a Ryder Cup stamp and is rarely seen at all internationally. The stamps can be viewed ‘in motion’ at www.irishstamps.ie
Up until recently, lenticular printing has been limited to two or three frames which allows only limited movement. The more frames used to create an image, the greater the detail and the motion. Sophisticated new technology now allows much finer lenticular images to be used. An Post’s Ryder Cup stamps feature 50 frames, which combine to produce a virtually seamless passage of action.
Dublin agency, Javelin, designed the stamps for An Post who then tracked down the only company in the world that could create lenticular images at this level of sophistication – Outer Aspect of New Zealand. A security certified stamp printer in Australia, SEP Print, then applied the security features before die-cutting and finishing the sheetlets for packing and delivery.
There are two versions of the 75c stamp – one which features a golfer taking a powerful drive off the tee and one of a classic bunker escape.
Only 600,000 of the stamps sets have been produced and are available, in sheetlets of two, from the Philatelic Shop, GPO, main post offices around Ireland or by visiting www.irishstamps.ie
“We are delighted to bring this design-first to the Irish public and to all those golfing enthusiasts who will visit Ireland over the coming weeks,” said Donal Connell, chief executive of An Post. “Hosting the Ryder Cup is a hugely significant event for this country and An Post was determined to mark the occasion with the issue of a very significant stamp. We expect that they will sell quickly in Ireland and internationally as collectors’ items and souvenirs.”
This is the third set of stamps to be issued by An Post to commemorate The 2006 Ryder Cup. The first was issued last year to pay tribute to the contribution of Irish golfers to the bi-annual competition. In July this year, another set was issued to mark the build-up to this month’s event.
The four stamps in this set depict the progress of a golf ball around the course in a competition round.
All three sets of stamps, including the Lenticulars, are available in a limited edition 34-page booklet with background text by golf writer Dermot Gilleece and a handy K Club course guide, priced at €12.00.
Ryder Cup 2006 www.rydercup.com
‘Moving’ stamps mark Ryder Cup
