I read with interest the discussion about black Britons appearing on stamps (Guardian readers nominate Black Britons worthy of a postage stamp, 31 October).
Celebrating diversity is a theme that runs through our “special stamp” issues. We proudly celebrate individuals from all backgrounds and all walks of life. Stamps in recent years have included many examples of black Britons who have significantly contributed to life in this country. Examples include the footballer John Barnes; the Notting Hill carnival founder Claudia Jones; the first black professional footballer and the first black army officer to command troops, Walter Tull. Olaudah Equiano and Ignatius Sancho appeared on stamps to mark the abolition of the slave trade; and most recently a set was dedicated to Dame Shirley Bassey.
We issued a set of Notting Hill carnival stamps in 1998 (and commissioned a new poem by Benjamin Zephaniah). Earlier this year Baroness Floella Benjamin officially launched stamps dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the arrival of MV Empire Windrush to the UK. Each stamp featured artwork from black British artists.
We appreciate the interest in our stamps and welcome suggestions for future issues. I cannot say who may feature, but it is clear is that there is no shortage of potential candidates.
David Gold
Director, external affairs & policy, Royal Mail
• This letter was amended on 15 November 2023. An earlier version incorrectly said that the Notting Hill carnival stamps were issued to mark its 50th anniversary.
