Arnold Machin
A sculptor whose work included royal portraits for both British coins and stamps.
An icon of British stamp design
One portrait.
Generations of letters.
Discover the Machin stamps: the familiar portrait of Queen Elizabeth II that became part of everyday British life.
Discover the design
1967
The beginning of a design classic
Why are they called Machin stamps?
Machin stamps take their name from Arnold Machin, the sculptor who created their portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. His design first appeared on British definitive stamps on 5 June 1967.
Definitive stamps are the regular stamps issued for everyday postal use. For decades, Machin's elegant portrait was a familiar sight on letters, postcards and parcels.
Machin stamps at a glance
5 June 1967
The first 4d Machin stamp was issued in an olive-brown sepia colour.
A sculpted portrait
The stamp image came from a plaster relief, giving the Queen's profile its distinctive sense of depth.
The art behind an everyday stamp
Machin developed the portrait using photographs taken by John Hedgecoe. The final design showed the Queen wearing a diadem, with her profile facing left.
The uncluttered composition put the portrait at the heart of the design. A small stamp became a recognisable piece of British visual history.
Start with the details
Try arranging a group of Machin stamps by colour or denomination. Compare their lettering, edges and postmarks. Even a handful of everyday stamps can become an absorbing exercise in observation.
Historical reference: The Postal Museum: The Machin Design .
Discover more stories in stamps
From Victorian classics to familiar modern designs, stamps offer a fascinating way to explore history. Visit the Ipswich Stamp Museum website to find out more.
Explore Ipswich Stamp Museum