Going postal: Australia Post celebrates the golden age of neon advertising with new stamp issue
Australia Post has released three new stamp designs in a nostalgic nod to the advertising of yesteryear. ‘Signs of the Times ‘is a new stamp issue immortalising iconic billboards from Victoria and Queensland popular during the 1930s to 1960s.
Australia Post philatelic manager, Michael Zsolt said: “Today we are more conscious of the visual value of our historic neon signs.” Zsolt said that the bright designs are sure to rouse the interest of collectors and the public alike.”
The collection features The Skipping Girl from Abbotsford, Victoria (known as Little Audrey), possibly Australia’s most recognised neon signs. The original advert was for Skipping Girl Vinegar, originally erected in 1936. In 2008, the National Trust made a successful bid to have it resorted, with Little Audrey still being illuminated in the Victorian town today.
Dandy Pig from Dandenong, Victoria doffed his top hat from the 1950s to 1980s for the Gippsland Co-operative Bacon Curing Company. After being restored and re-erected, the sign was installed at the Dandenong Market in 2013 and is considered a social and cultural landmark in the community.
Also featured is popular 60’s honeymoon motel, Pink Poodle in Surfers Paradise. After surviving the demolition of the original building in 2004, the sign remained and in 2005 was nominated as a Queensland Heritage Icon.
Designed by John White of the Australia Post Design Studio, the stamp issue range includes two domestic base rate stamps (70 cents each) and one large letter rate ($1.40).
The stamp issue features a souvenir pack in a concertina format. The pack houses three stamp sheetlets with a neon feature on the cover. The issue also comes in booklets of 10 and rolls of 200, as well as keepsake maxicards.
The Signs of the Times stamp issue is available from 1 September 2015 at participating Post Offices and online at auspost.com.au/stamps.
Danielle Sen
