Miniature Masterpieces: 100 Years of Irish Stamps

Curated by Stephen Ferguson

Dates: December 2023 – May 2024

This joint exhibition between An Post and the National Print Museum explores the role of stamps in charting the evolution of Irish cultural identity over the last century. The exhibition was officially opened on 13 December by Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport and Logistics and Postal Policy, Jack Chambers TD. Dedicated to the history, design and production of these miniature masterpieces and Irish cultural ambassadors, the exhibition displays not only a wide selection of Irish stamps but also original artwork, design proofs, printing plates and other treasures from the An Post Museum & Archive, some of which will be on public display for the first time.

Visitors are able to view on a digital database the range of stamps issued by the Post Office since the printing of the first official Irish stamp in 1922 and chart the evolution of Irish cultural identity as represented in stamp design over the last century. From the official overprinting in Irish of British King George V stamps, to the symbolism of the first Irish stamp designs in 1922-23, to today’s confident expressions of Irish identity in fashion, music, and urban street art – the exhibition explores the changing interpretation of Ireland and its culture through stamp design. This exhibition is supported by the Government of Ireland.

Booklet and artwork

An illustrated exhibition booklet, Miniature Masterpieces – Cultural identity, artistic expression and a century of Irish stamps, by the exhibition’s curator, Stephen Ferguson, draws on additional material held in the An Post Museum & Archive and elsewhere to accompany what is the first major display of Irish philatelic material for many years. In response to the rich heritage of Irish design celebrated in Miniature Masterpieces, the Museum collaborated with graphic designer Niall McCormack and letterpress printer Mary Plunkett to create an original artwork. This element of the project is supported by the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland.