C.S. Lewis's stunning story of the world of Narnia came to life in a brilliant cinematic retelling of this timeless classic.
Issue information
C.S. Lewis (1898 - 1963) is recognised by many as one of the most respected literary minds of the 20th century. Writing everything from novels to scholarly dissertations on Christianity, this amazing man must rate as one of the most versatile academics of his time.
In 1950, Lewis entered the area of fantasy, penning the first of seven books for children that would come to be known as The Chronicles of Narnia that are still adored by children today. This timeless classic is set during World War II bringing the carnage and terror of the Blitz to London. The four Pevensie children - Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy - are sent to stay with Professor Kirke in his ancient mansion during this time. It is there that their real adventures begin, when they literally find themselves in a world that challenges everything they know and understand about what's around them.
It was privilege that New Zealand was chosen as the ideal place to turn this most famous story, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, into a movie. It was with great pleasure that New Zealand Post was able to release a range of collectabes to commemorate the New Zealand film industry's interpretation of C.S. Lewis's most famous book. This fascinating issue took those of us who know the stories back into a world that is still enchanting, exciting and awe-inspiring today as it was when we first entered it. For those who have never encountered Narnia before, this issue was a captivating glimpse into a story that has become nothing short of a classic.
The esteem this great tale generates was reflected in the full choice of collectables available, from a set of five stamps (available in a gummed format or in a self-adhesive se-tenant strip) to a striking collector's pack, and for those who must have it all, the ultimate collection.
Miniature Sheets
The five miniature sheets featured the scenes depicted in the stamps, and provided even more detail from this rich and beautifully told story.
Postage-included Souvenir Cards
Up close and yet larger than life, these postage-included souvenir cards drew you into the magical yet perilous kingdom of Narnia.
Self-adhesive Strip
The full set of stamps were also available as a self-adhesive se-tenant strip.
First Day Covers
Seven stunning first day covers were issued. One with the full set of gummed stamps; a second with the full set of self-adhesive stamps; and a series of five first day covers that featuried each of the miniature sheets. All seven first day covers included lavish scenes from the film and were stamped with the official The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe date stamp.
Collector's Pack
This exquisitely produced collector's pack truly brought this magnificent story to life, with full explanations of each stamp in the series as well as valuable background information about the author and the story itself. The pack included the set of five gummed stamps, set of five miniature sheets, a gummed first day cover and a self-adhesive se-tenant strip.
The Ultimate Collection
Two full sets of stamps, the seven first day covers, five miniature sheets, five postage-included souvenir cards, the collector's pack and full sheets of stamps - all together in what was truly the ultimate collector's pack.
Commemorative Coins
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Take a look at the commemorative coins that were also part of this issue. Click here to find out more. |
Product Listing for The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Click on image to enlarge.
Technical information
Date of issue: | 1 December 2005 |
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Number of stamps: | Five |
Denominations and designs: | (gummed and self-adhesive) 45c Lucy and the Wardrobe, 90c Lucy, Edmund, Peter and Susan, $1.35 The White Witch and Edmund, $1.50 The Frozen Army, $2.00 Aslan and Lucy |
Stamps and first day cover designed by: | Commarts Design, Wellington |
Printer and process: | Gummed: Southern Colour Print, New Zealand by offset lithography; Self-adhesive: Wyatt & Wilson, New Zealand |
Number of colours: | Four process colours |
Stamp size and format: | Gummed: 30mm x 45mm (vertical and horizontal); Self-adhesive: 37mm x 26mm (vertical and horizontal) |
Paper type: | Gummed: Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor stamp paper; Self-adhesive: red phosphor coated stamp paper |
Perforation gauge: | Gummed: 14; Self-adhesive: die cut |
Special blocks: | Plate/imprint blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps from a sheet. Barcode, value blocks and logo blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least two stamps from a sheet. Barcode blocks were available in both A and B format. |
Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 30 November 2006. |
All images supplied by Disney/Walden. The Chronicles of Narna, Narnia, and all book titles, characters and locales origninal thereto are trademarks of CS Lewis Pte Ltd. and are used with permission.
©Disney/Walden