At their December meeting, the members of the West Wickham (Woodlands) TG had a talk from Mr Maguire of the Bromley Hospital NHS Trust on the progress of the new hospital at Farnborough. It was hoped that the hospital would be opened in December 2002 and would be the principal local hospital.
The Guild's New Year began with a talk by Mr Jeffery Matthews on his careers as a stamp designer lasting 50 years. Mr Matthews showed slides of his beautiful drawings of heraldic animals and plants for Scottish and Isle of Man stamps. His works also included designs for the stamps for the Silver Wedding of the Queen and Prince Philip and the wedding of the Prince of Wales and Princess Diana.
He also produced a set of commemorative stamps of royal marriages for Queen Victoria onwards. He was also responsible for designing a set of stamps for the Queen Mother's 80th birthday and the Queen's 60th birthday. Among his other outstanding assignments was a Christmas issue based on Christmas decoration, the 150th anniversary of the Penny Black stamp and the founding of the Order of the Garter. His other famous design is the Coat of Arms on the Sunday Times.
The printing of Mr Matthews' beautiful stamps was carried out in ten colours which have become known as the Matthews pallette' and a special set of stamps was issued to honour his contribution to the world of stamps.
The art of stamp design involves precise and delicate drawing with a knowledge of heraldry and presentation within the measurements of the average postage stamp. Mr Matthews' wife was a writer and collaborated with him in researching and writing the stories behind the designs which accompany sets of stamps.
Plans were announced for a belated Christmas Lunch at the Sandrock public house at the end of January and a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum at the beginning of February. At the January meeting of the social studies section, there so to be a talk about the Priory in Orpington. Further information about guild activities can be obtained from the Secretary on 020 8460 7324.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article