On Wednesday, May 7, Posti will issue three stamp publications with a total of nine different stamps. “The themes of the May stamps are the 80th anniversary of the Moomins, archeological discoveries and springtime congratulations,” says Tommi Kantola, Design Manager at Posti, who is responsible for the selection of the artists and for providing guidance on the stamps' artistic work.
The first Moomin story turns 80 years old
The first Moomin story, The Moomins and the Great Flood, was published 80 years ago, in 1945. To celebrate the event, Posti will issue stamps designed by James Zambra in May, with illustrations and colors based on the look of the anniversary year.
The Moomins and the Great Flood is a comforting and adventurous story about a family who has been displaced from their hometown and their search for a home. The story ends at a place which becomes known as Moominvalley.
“The illustrations on the stamps reflect the themes of the anniversary year, which are togetherness, time spent together, a sense of safety and a space to be yourself,” says James Zambra, Creative Director of Moomin Characters.
Numerous Moomin-themed events, performances and exhibitions will be organized in 2025 at the Moomin Museum in Tampere, for example.
80 Years of Moomins is a 10-stamp sheet containing five different international no-value indicator stamps.
The theme of the Europa stamps is archeological discoveries
In May, European postal administrations will publish the Europa stamps with the theme of archeological discoveries. Finland's stamps will feature two ancient artifacts: a bronze bird pendant discovered in Mikkeli (from the Iron Age, 800–1050) and a golden Ave Maria ring from Pyhtää (from the Middle Ages, 1150–1500). The stamps have been designed by Anssi Kähärä.
Choosing the theme for the stamps was a separate process. ”Posti had a few motifs ready, and in addition to them, I went through thousands of pictures of the Finnish Heritage Agency, from which we first selected about 15. In the final selection of images, we paid attention to the time period of the objects and the visual aspects that work in stamps. I chose an archeological, worn-out and slightly imperfect atmosphere for the typography of the stamps,” says Kähärä.
Europa – Archeological discoveries is a 10-stamp sheet containing two different domestic no-value indicator stamps.
Klaus Haapaniemi has illustrated the congratulatory stamps for spring
The spring's congratulatory stamps have been illustrated by Klaus Haapaniemi, one of the leading names in Finnish design. The stamps feature mysterious lucky animals that resemble birds and fish.
Haapaniemi's style is influenced by Finnish traditions and Kalevala. His works reflect the rich Slavic culture and the more minimalistic Japanese expression.
“In a way, I have reinvented classic patterns and styles, such as Russian avant-garde, which is based on a very geometric design language,” says Haapaniemi.
Lucky Charms is a 10-stamp sheet containing two different domestic no-value indicator stamps.
First-day event at Helsinki Main Post Office on May 7, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The first-day event for the May stamps will be held on Wednesday, May 7, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Helsinki Main Post Office (Elielinaukio 2 F, 00100 Helsinki).
New stamps, first day covers and other stamp products will be sold at the event, and visitors can get first day postmarks on their items. The stamp artists will be present to sign their works from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Welcome!
Image material: https://digilibrary.emmi.fi/l/HQRSc7M-sKGG