If you are in need of a quick run through of the state flowers of America then philately will get you everywhere. What nicer way to learn than by exploring the beautiful postal stamps below. You might even discover the state birds along the way.
Philately is the study and collection of postage stamps and related items. Commemorative stamps are issued to honour a particular person, event, achievement, or cause. The design of these stamps often involves intricate artwork, typography, and symbolism, making them a significant aspect of visual culture and historical documentation. Hence why commemorative stamp design is considered an art form within philately.
In 1982, one of the largest stamp making companies in the US called Fleetwood commissioned father and son wildlife artists Arthur and Alan Singer to create original paintings of state birds and flowers for the Fifty States. Arthur created the birds while son Alan painted the flowers, each an original art work. North Carolina and Virginia share both their state flower (Flowering dogwood) and their state bird (Cardinal), yet each state has its own original watercolour painting. At the time of their issue, these stamps were the most popular in U.S Postal history selling over 500 million sets of 50 stamps. It is not hard to see why. They are not only precise and realistic representations of their subjects, but these miniature, gummed masterpieces are also wonderful works of art.
Details:
U.S. #1953-2002
20¢ State Birds and Flowers
Pane of 50 Stamps
Issue Date: April 14, 1982
City: Washington, DC and state capitals
Quantity: 13,339,000 panes
Printed By: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Photogravure
Perforations: 10.5 x 11.25
Color: Multicoloured