Orchids of Singapore and Australia

On 6 Aug 98, Singapore and Australia will jointly release a set of stamps on Orchids. The set of four stamps features orchids of the two countries. The four orchids featured on stamps are the Phalaenopsis rosenstromii (No-Value Indicator) and Dendrobium phalaenopsis ($2) from Queensland, Australia and the Arundina graminifolia (70c) and Grammatophyllum speciosum ($1) from Singapore.

The four stamps are illustrated by Ms Clare Kaegi, an Australian artist who specializes in painting flora. The stamps are printed in sheets of 10 and printed by photogravure, which brings out the rich and vibrant colours of the orchids. Released together with this set of beautiful stamps will be a miniature sheet.

For this issue, there will be a special commemorative cover incorporating the full set of stamps from Singapore and Australia, cancelled with the respective countries' postmarks and printed with the signatures of the Australian artist and our local graphic designer. There will also be the usual first day covers and presentation packs.

In conjunction with the stamp issue, there will be a joint Singapore-Australia stamp exhibition to be held at the SUNTEC City Tropics Atrium. This exhibition will be organised by Kreta Ayer Stamp Society as part of its annual National Day stamp exhibition. It will be held from 6 to 10 Aug 98. Both countries will take up sales booths at this exhibition along with about 20 dealers. There will also be exhibits of Singapore and Australian stamps at the Singapore exhibition.