International Children's Day was established by the Women's International Democratic Federation at its congress in Moscow on 1 June 1950. It is now celebrated in many countries. In 1952 International Children's Day was introduced in Poland. It is celebrated there on 1 June coinciding with its establishment day. This day falls at the beginning of summer in Poland, which happens to be the beginning of the school holidays, so it is treated as a holiday. During the first week of June various festivities take place in parks and entertainment centres for the children to enjoy. On this day parents also give their children a small gift. Cool!
On 1 June, Poland issued a commemorative semi-postal stamp for International Children's Day. This stamp was designed by Czeslaw Slania. It was printed in photogravue (thanks Keram for the stamp details).
This stamp features President Boleslaw Bierut strolling through a field of flowers with a group of school girls. Bierut was President of The People's Republic of Poland twice. From 1944-47 and from 1947-52. The People's Republic was founded on 31 December 1944 while under the protection of the Soviets. Bierut was the first and last President of the People's Republic. The position of President was abolished on 20 November 1944, just six months after this stamp was issued.
I have to admit that the image chosen for this stamp isn't exactly one of my favourites. I don't really like it much at all. It just screams propaganda to me, which could well have been the intention of the issue.
There is an interesting little titbit about this stamp. An irregularity for Slania, I guess you could say. Can you see it? If you answered that Slania's' name does not appear on the stamp, you are correct! I wonder why? Perhaps because he designed but didn't engrave it.
Until next time...
Stay Slania Crazy!
Name of the infamous president is Boleslaw Bierut, not Beirut.
ReplyDeleteThis stamp was printed by photogravure and is not engraved. When you look at enlarged stamp, you will not see charakteristic engraving lines.
Yes. You are right. This stamp is pure propaganda.
Hi Keram,
DeleteThanks for the info. I didn't know that it was Photogravure. No wonder the image is so clear. So what was Slania's role in the production of this stamp?
Thanks for the heads up on the Bierut typo. I checked it but that one slipped
through.
Cheers
Matt
Hi Matt,
DeleteSlania was the designer of this stamp.
First Congress of Polish Science from 1951 - also this stamp production technique is photogravure. Slania was the designer.
Thanks Keram!
ReplyDeleteI shall amend the details. I appreciate all your info...
Cheers
Matt