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The First Day Covers of Robert D'Spain (National FDC)

ONE Frame exhibit (copy reduced to 75% of original)

[Received a GOLD medal at Queensland Stamp Show August 2005]

Hand drawn/hand painted (HD/HP) cachets are produced by hand-drawing the basic design then hand-painting the completed product. They are produced in significantly lower numbers than printed and other forms of cover due to the time required in production, and are in themselves miniature works of art.

One of the early pioneers of the modern HD/HP movement which developed in the 1980s was Robert D’Spain (1920-2002). D’Spain developed a distinctive style which gave prominence to a different idea in the formation of cachet design. His signature style sought to convey the effect of "accidental disposition" of the postage stamp as part of the cachet design itself.

D’Spain varied greatly in subject, but limited his creations to only a few (mostly historical) issues each year. Making only 45 different cachets during his career, his covers are now highly prized among collectors. This exhibit traces D’Spain’s changing style over his 15 years of cachet making. It celebrates the legacy of his signature style which has been copied by other prominent cachet artists both during and after his death.

PHOTO: D'Spain at work in 1988.

NOTE:  This is not an exploration theme exhibit, but is displayed out of a request.