Postal service releases "Design Classics" stamps

The UK postal service has released ten new stamps for 2009, featuring iconic designs from the 20th century.

The ten stamps feature such instantly recognisable images as the miniskirt, Supermarine Spitfire and the anglepoise lamp. London transport features prominently, with both the red Routemaster bus and Harry Beck’s map of the capital's underground system featuring in the new collection.

Mary Quant, who is credited with designing the daring miniskirt which revolutionised sixties fashion, helped launch the stamps today, praising the Royal Mail for their selection.

“I am highly honoured that the banana split dress with a mini skirt has been included in the Royal Mail Design Classics issue and to be amongst such great company," she said.

“Britain has the best art and design schools in the world and this attracts students from around the globe. The stamps are absolute design classics.”

Other featured designs include the original Mini and architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott’s red telephone box.