Miron Białoszewski – new philatelic issue
On June 30 this year, Poczta Polska is introducing a postage stamp commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Miron Białoszewski – poet, prose writer, playwright, and theater actor.
Miron Białoszewski, whose work has become a permanent fixture in the history of Polish culture, was a discoverer of new forms in lyric poetry, prose, and theatrical production, as well as a keen observer of everyday life. In his works, he transcended the boundaries of accepted literary language and challenged stereotypes. He was fascinated by deviant speech, slips of the tongue, and accidental linguistic coincidences. He also drew on colloquial and childish language. Among his most important works are the poetry collections "Obroty Rzeczy" (The Revolutions of Things) and "Milne wzruszenia" (Mystifying Sorrows), as well as the prose "Pamiętnik z Powstanie Warszawskiego" (A Memoir of the Warsaw Uprising). For the latter, he received the City of Warsaw Award and the Minister of Culture and Art Award, second class.
In addition to writing, the artist also pursued acting in the theater. In 1955, together with Lech Emfazy Stefański and Bogusław Choiński, he founded his own amateur theater, "Teatr na Tarczyńskiej." After its dissolution, the writer opened the "Teatr Osobny" in his apartment, which operated until 1963. Among the most famous plays performed there were "Wyprawy Krzyżowe" (Crusades) and "Osmędeusze."
The postage stamp issued by the Polish Post features a photographic portrait of Miron Białoszewski. The FDC envelope features a photo of the artist taken during a performance at the "Personal Theatre" and a quote—the poet's words regarding his experiments with the spoken and written word. The date stamp features a slotted spoon—one of the everyday objects celebrated by Białoszewski and prominently featured in his poetic work.
The typography used on the stamp and envelope evokes handwriting and the trace left by a brush while painting (expressive brush drawings, later cut out in cardboard, were a regular element of the set design in Miron Białoszewski's performances). Colored dots also appear, indicating that we are dealing with a colorful figure who does not fit the pompous archetype of the poet, and pointing to the element of play and fun inherent in Białoszewski's creative method.
The stamp featuring Miron Białoszewski is another Polish Post issue commemorating prominent figures from the world of literature. Recently, issues commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Cyprian Kamil Norwid, the 100th anniversary of the birth of Stanisław Lem, and the 100th anniversary of the birth of Leopold Tyrmand have entered circulation.
About the stamp:
Designer: Paweł Myszka
Number of stamps: 1
Value: PLN 3.60
Circulation: 100,000 pcs.
Printing technique: rotogravure
Stamp format: 39.5 x 31.25 mm
Paper: fluorescent
Sales sheets: 50 stamps
Date of introduction into circulation: June 30, 2022