Art on stamps. This is the theme for the stamp issue that proudly presents a set of four stamps on contemporary paintings by four talented local artists. Two of these artists are "pioneers" who together with their contemporaries helped lay a sound and solid foundation for the development of arts in Singapore. The four paintings are chosen from the National Museum's permanent collection.

The stamps portray well-loved scenes of the Singapore River and the nostalgic kampung life in early Singapore. The 20¢ stamp is the reproduction of an oil painting of the Singapore Waterfront by pioneer artist, Georgette Chen Liying. The 75¢ stamp captures the disappearing rural kampung scene drawn in watercolour by another prominent pioneer artist, Lim Cheng Hoe. On the $1 stamp is an oil painting of a Singapore River scene which incorporates parts of the historical waterfront. The $2 stamp depicts another Singapore scene by a local artist.

Together, the paintings on the stamps integrate the country's rich multi-cultural experiences.

The graphic designer, Lim Ching San, has ensured that the paintings are given prominence on the stamps as art is the subject of this issue. The art theme is re-emphasized through the ancillary products including the first day covers, presentation packs and posters which feature parts of the four paintings chosen for the stamps. To make this set of stamps even more special, the presentation pack too was given a unique and interesting format. The pack consists of a folder bearing information on the stamp issue and a small squarish card with the complete set of stamps. The datestamp is a charming, artistic design.

With this set of stamps, one can indeed own four beautiful paintings which are part of the National Museum's art collection.