Cornwall based artist illustrates Christmas stamps

A Cornish-based artist's illustrations are being used for the Royal Mail's Christmas stamp collection.

Illustrator Judy Joel's designs feature festive pictures of UK cathedrals in Edinburgh, Liverpool, Armagh, Bangor and Westminster.

Mrs Joel, who runs an art gallery in Penzance, was told she had been chosen to design the stamps last year.

"When I was told Royal Mail had chosen my designs in my naive style for this Christmas, it was a heart-stopping moment and I was and am still immensely proud and honoured," she said.

Mrs Joel has sold her work across the world and is known for including her white-haired mum and a dog in every painting.

"The phone call inviting me to submit sketches of two cathedrals for possible acceptance by Royal Mail to have my designs used for the Christmas 2024 stamps, came on a hot day in early summer 2023," she said.

"At first, I wondered if it was a cold call but soon realised it was genuine and I was immediately thrilled and very excited and got to work immediately."

'Beautiful illustrations'

Royal Mail released the collection on Monday and said cathedrals were chosen for the stamps as they are "wonderful and welcoming places to visit at Christmas".

David Gold, Royal Mail director of external affairs and policy said: "Cathedrals are a hugely significant part of our cultural heritage and play an important role in local communities.

"They also offer space for peaceful reflection and a bit of an escape from the challenges of daily life, which can be especially important at Christmas.

"Judy’s beautiful illustrations really capture the joy of these iconic buildings.

"We hope they bring a little added joy to millions of people around the world in the weeks leading up to Christmas”.