Telford stamp on modern world
He is known as one of the founders of the industrial revolution, and now Thomas Telford's contribution to engineering in the Midlands takes pride of place on a set of new Royal Mail stamps. He is known as one of the founders of the industrial revolution, and now Thomas Telford's contribution to engineering in the Midlands takes pride of place on a set of new Royal Mail stamps. An image of Telford dreaming of a bridge has been chosen for the first class stamp in a collection celebrating a wealth of engineering genius. The picture resembles the famous Iron Bridge, in the town of Ironbridge, which wasn't actually built by Telford, but which inspired him to other revolutionary creations throughout the Midlands and the rest of the country. Read the full story in the Express & Star
An image of Telford dreaming of a bridge has been chosen for the first class stamp in a collection celebrating a wealth of engineering genius.
The picture resembles the famous Iron Bridge, in the town of Ironbridge, which wasn't actually built by Telford, but which inspired him to other revolutionary creations throughout the Midlands and the rest of the country.
Born 250 years ago, Telford's bridges would lead the way for modern architects across the world.
The new World of Invention series features three pairs of self-adhesive stamps bearing the quirky illustrations of cartoonist Peter Till. His drawings also cover the development of railways, phonelines, television,space travel and the worldwide web.
Royal Mail director Ian McKay, said: "Thomas Telford's creations were truly momentous and it is fitting he should be chosen for this set of stamps. He was also a Scot and inventors from north of the border dominate this stamp issue.
"He is alongside Alexander Graham Bell and John Logie Baird. All were fundamental in shaping the infrastructure and communications of the modern world.
"It is very fitting that their accomplishments will be seen on millions of letters thanks to another great invention, the postage stamp."
The stamps, inspired by this year's 250th anniversary of Telford, also feature a steam engine commemorating railway pioneer George Stephenson.
The commemorative stamps are the latest to be issued this year by the Royal Mail. Tens of thousands of people around the world apply for each new issue of commemorative stamps, which were introduced by Tony Benn when he was postmaster general in the 1960s.
