The Machin series of postage stamps stands as an enduring symbol of British philately, representing the definitive stamp series for much of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. Spanning from its introduction on June 5, 1967, to its final issue in April 2022, the Machin stamps have witnessed over five decades of innovation, historical significance, and cultural impact. Designed by Arnold Machin, this series replaced the Wilding series and became an iconic representation of the Queen’s profile, holding its place until her passing in September 2022.
Design and Impact
The Machin design is renowned for its simplicity and elegance. Each stamp features the sculpted profile of Queen Elizabeth II paired with its denomination, rendered almost exclusively in monochromatic tones. Arnold Machin’s sculpted portrait became the definitive image for British postage stamps, and his design remains unparalleled in its longevity and recognition.
Over the years, the Machin series adapted to numerous changes in British stamp printing technology, ensuring it stayed relevant and functional. This adaptability has fueled a robust philatelic community, with collectors and scholars producing a wealth of literature dedicated to the series.
Unlike British coins, where Machin’s 1964 effigy of the Queen was replaced in 1984 by a new design from Raphael Maklouf, the Queen’s likeness on the Machin stamps remained unchanged. The Queen herself resisted proposals to replace the design, underscoring its timelessness and her own satisfaction with Machin’s work.
Genesis of the Machin Stamps
The Predecessor: Wilding Series
The Machin series succeeded the Wilding series, which featured a three-quarter photographic portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Dorothy Wilding. Despite its utility, the Wilding design faced criticism for its photographic nature, which some felt constrained artistic creativity and imposed design limitations on commemorative stamps.
Design Competition
By the mid-1960s, discussions around a new definitive stamp design gained momentum. Efforts to explore alternatives led to the involvement of several artists and sculptors. A competition in 1965, under the direction of the Stamp Advisory Committee (SAC), aimed to select a profile design for the new series.
Arnold Machin’s approach involved creating a bas-relief sculpture of the Queen, which he refined through consultations and printing tests. His minimalist vision—showing the Queen wearing the George IV State Diadem, also featured on the famous Penny Black—won favor over other submissions.
Technical Evolution
Printing Techniques
The production of Machin stamps utilized a variety of printing methods, including photogravure, intaglio, lithography, and embossing. As postal rates evolved, so did the stamps, resulting in over 5,000 distinct varieties characterized by different colors, denominations, perforations, and phosphor banding.
Decimalization and Changes
With the decimalization of British currency in 1971, the Machin series underwent significant updates, requiring new denominations and colors. Jeffery Matthews, a prominent artist, contributed extensively to the series by designing regional symbols and refining the color palette.
Security Features and Adaptations
In response to challenges such as forgery and the misuse of stamps, security measures were progressively integrated into the Machin series. These included:
- Elliptical perforations for added security.
- Iridescent overprints featuring “ROYAL MAIL” text to deter photocopying.
- A move to self-adhesive stamps in the 1990s.
- Unique codes embedded in the background to identify the source and year of each stamp.
Commemorative Adaptations and Prestige Editions
The Machin design saw occasional adaptations for commemorative purposes. For instance, the 1990 “Double-Head Machin” issue featured both Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Victoria to mark the 150th anniversary of the Penny Black.
Prestige booklets became a prominent feature in the Machin series, showcasing themed narratives alongside regular stamps. These booklets, which began in 1980, have become highly sought after by collectors.
Machin’s Enduring Legacy
Golden Anniversary
In 2017, the Machin series celebrated its 50th anniversary with a range of special issues, including miniature sheets and embossed gold stamps. These commemorations highlighted the series’ monumental place in British philatelic history.
International Influence
Beyond the UK, variations of the Machin design appeared in places like Hong Kong and Crown dependencies such as Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man, cementing its global recognition.
The End of an Era
The final Machin stamps were issued in April 2022, marking the conclusion of an extraordinary chapter in British postal history.
Conclusion
The Machin series is more than just a collection of postage stamps—it is a testament to the power of design, the significance of tradition, and the enduring influence of Queen Elizabeth II. From its innovative beginnings in the 1960s to its final issue in 2022, the series reflects the evolution of British society and philately, offering a treasure trove for collectors and historians alike.
Arnold Machin’s masterpiece will forever hold its place as a defining icon of British culture and an unmatched achievement in stamp design.
