Photogravure

In 1933 tenders were invited for a new printing contract, using photogravure as the specified process.

Although there were concerns regarding uniformity of colour, it introduced high-speed production and reduced the overall cost. The original designs were based on photographs, enabling a quicker printing process than the letterpress method.

A number of essays were produced with different portraits, some photographic, of the King, but he preferred the standard coinage head effigy. The contract for the low values was awarded to Harrison & Sons Ltd, and the previous letterpress designs were adapted for the photogravure stamps, which were issued from 1934 to 1936.

New designs were sought for proposed additional values from some of the leading artists of the day, but these were not issued as a result of the King’s death.