Stamp Advisory Committee facts for kids

The Stamp Advisory Committee (SAC) is a special group that helps decide what British postage stamps should look like. They give advice to Royal Mail, which is the company that delivers mail in the United Kingdom.

How the Stamp Committee Started

This committee began a long time ago, in 1946. It was first part of another group called the Council of Industrial Design, which helped make sure British products looked good.

Later, in 1968, a new committee was set up by the General Post Office, which used to run the mail service. Today, the Stamp Advisory Committee still advises Royal Mail on how to choose new stamp designs.

What the Committee Does

Royal Mail first decides what topics or people will be featured on new stamps. Then, they ask designers to create many different ideas for these stamps.

The committee then looks at all these design ideas. They give their advice to Royal Mail about which designs they think are the best. However, Royal Mail doesn't have to follow this advice. The committee also doesn't choose the topics for new stamps themselves.

Who is on the Committee?

The people on the committee come from many different backgrounds. They include designers, people who work for Royal Mail, and a representative from the British Government.

There are no special rules or guidelines given to the committee or Royal Mail about what stamps should feature.

Where to Find Records

The records of the Stamp Advisory Committee are kept safe at the British National Archives. These records, along with others from Royal Mail, can be viewed by the public after 30 years have passed.