Royal Mail has unveiled a brand new Chronicles of Narnia stamp collection to mark the 75th anniversary of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the first book in C.S. Lewis’s beloved fantasy series. This special stamp issue brings the world of Narnia to life in a way that’s thoughtful, detailed and quietly enchanting.
I didn’t grow up reading the Narnia books. My childhood favourites leaned more towards Lewis Carroll and the Jabberwocky, its wild nonsense creatures were more my pace. But even if you hadn’t read C.S. Lewis’s stories, you still felt their presence. The name Narnia had a kind of weight. You saw it in book corners, in film posters, in the way people spoke about the characters at school. It was something I checked at the back of my own wardrobe…
Inside the Narnia Stamp Collection
The main set includes eight stamps, each one representing a different book in The Chronicles of Narnia. The illustrations are by British artist Keith Robinson, whose style suits the subject beautifully. There’s a softness to the way he captures each moment, drawing the eye toward the stillness as much as the story. From snowy forests to open seas, the stamps offer a gentle sense of wonder.
These Narnia stamps are more than just a nod to fantasy fiction. They offer a visual journey through one of the most enduring series in children’s literature. From The Magician’s Nephew to The Last Battle, each stamp brings a part of the Narnian world into focus. Not in loud or dramatic ways, but with detail and care. Whether you’re a longtime reader or new to the stories, it’s an evocative collection.
Honouring the Work of Pauline Baynes
Alongside the main set, Royal Mail has issued a miniature sheet featuring four stamps based on original illustrations by Pauline Baynes. She was C.S. Lewis’s hand-picked artist for the series, and her work has shaped how generations have imagined Narnia. Her fine linework and quiet intricacy is beautiful. Including her illustrations here ties the collection back to its roots and grounds it in the style that defined the books for decades.
The Chronicles of Narnia stamp collection brings together two perspectives. The original vision and a new interpretation sit side by side, and the result bridges generations of readers. It’s rare for a stamp issue to feel this balanced. There’s a sense of continuity between past and present, and that’s part of what makes this release feel so considered.
For those interested in similar issues, I’ve got a few stamps that match this theme. The 1991 Biennial Exhibition of Book Illustrations for Children stamps is one of them. It celebrate the art behind children’s literature in a way that complements the spirit of this release.
A Tribute to C.S. Lewis Through Stamps
This issue also stands as a wider tribute to C.S. Lewis. Known best for the Narnia series, Lewis wrote with a depth and clarity that continues to resonate. These new C.S. Lewis stamps highlight the ongoing cultural impact of his work. Each design quietly reflects the imagination and weight of the world he created. The illustrations capture not only the places and people in the stories, but also the feeling that lies beneath them. It’s a feeling that still speaks to readers 75 years later.
If you’re unfamiliar with terms like miniature sheets or special issues, the glossary of philatelic terms is a helpful place to learn more.
What’s in the Full Narnia Stamp Issue?
Royal Mail’s Narnia 75th anniversary stamps are available in a range of formats:
- Eight-stamp set with illustrations by Keith Robinson
- Miniature sheet featuring artwork by Pauline Baynes
- Presentation pack with background details and context
- First day covers, with a choice of postmarks (Tallents House or Oxford)
- Framed collectors’ pieces, including a limited edition signed print
The stamps are available to pre-order now, with an official release date of 22 May 2025.
The Royal Observatory Greenwich special issues are out now!
