New Eiffel Tower, Merlion stamps

New Eiffel Tower, Merlion stamps

France's Eiffel Tower and Singapore's Merlion have received a street art makeover in a joint stamp issue by the two countries.

President Tony Tan Keng Yam and France's President Francois Hollande yesterday unveiled two new stamps of these icons to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Singapore and France.

Dr Tan is currently in Paris on a seven-day state visit that began on Sunday.

Yesterday's stamps were issued as part of the Singapore in France festival, a three-month-long showcase of Singapore's contemporary art and culture in seven cities around France.

One of the stamps is designed by French artist Sophie Beaujard and features the image of the Eiffel Tower against a graffiti-scrawled wall. The other is created by Singapore designer Ivory Seah, showing the Merlion with sunglasses.

Ms Seah, 43, told The Straits Times she spent a month working on her design.

Although she and Ms Beaujard come from different backgrounds and have never met, "together we were able to complete and create a harmonious stamp design by adapting to each other's style", she added.

The stamp issue marks the second collaboration between Singapore Post and French mail service La Poste. The first, in 2013, showcased the fashion styles of both countries.

The new stamps and related products will be available at all post offices and the Singapore Philatelic Museum from June 5. They will also be made available online at www.stampdelight.com


This article was first published on May 19, 2015.
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