Polish lynx stamp recognized in another prestigious international competition
The Polish stamp featuring the Eurasian lynx from the 2021 "Europa" issue has been recognized in another prestigious competition. Valor Poczta triumphed in the "Environmental Protection" category at the International Philatelic Art Competition in Asiago, Italy.
The Premio Internazionale d'Arte Filatelica – the so-called Philatelic Oscars – is one of the most important philatelic trophies, boasting a tradition spanning half a century. It's no surprise, then, that any form of recognition during the final gala is a great honor. A postage stamp by Polish graphic artist Bożydar Grozdew was recognized in the "Environmental Protection" category for "the clarity of the stamp's message, issued in a series devoted to endangered animals, in which the lynx becomes increasingly transparent until its final disappearance."
On July 17th of this year, in Asiago, Italy, Mariusz Dawid, Deputy Director of the Polish Post's Office of International Cooperation and Philately, expressed his gratitude on behalf of Poczta Polska (Polish Post), emphasizing that the lynx depicted on the stamp is a symbolic expression of Poland's concern for all animals and plants threatened with extinction. The company representative noted that last year's Polish issue – implemented with 60 countries associated with PostEurop – was also very well received in the Association's competition, winning first prize with a decisive majority of votes from collectors of the "Europa" series from around the world, representatives of 60 postal administrations, and the international expert jury.
" The distinction we received this year in Asiago is particularly valuable to us, as the stamp itself carries a unique message. It is intended to raise awareness of the changing natural environment due to human influence, to highlight the need to protect species that are disappearing before our eyes, but above all, to teach our youngest children that without caring for nature, there will be no good future for them. This vision also proved very clear to the Italian jury. I must admit that we are bursting with pride, as this is another award for this stamp, and it signifies not only prestige for our company but also the promotion of Polish philately abroad, " says Tomasz Zdzikot, President of the Management Board of Poczta Polska.
The Asiago International Philatelic Art Competition is one of the most prestigious philatelic competitions in the world. The jury comprises the most distinguished specialists in Italian culture, art, and science—professors, artists, writers, inventors, and businessmen—and the competition has no sponsor, which for years has guaranteed its independence of judgment and selection. The competition is patronized by the President of the Italian Republic, a testament to the high caliber and professionalism of both the jury members and the submitted philatelic issues.
So far, Poczta Polska has won the award at the International Philatelic Art Competition in Asiago eight times:
- 2015 – “World Blood Donor Day”, 2015, graphic design: Andrzej Gosik
- 2014 – “World Post Day – 455 years of the Polish Post”, 2013, graphic design: Agnieszka Sancewicz;
- 2012 – “Europa”, 2011, graphic design: Anna Niemierko;
- 2010 – “I Love You”, 2009, graphic design: Magdalena Błażków;
- 2009 – “PostEurop Kraków 2008”, graphic design: Janusz Wysocki;
- 2008 – “Earth Day in Poland”, 2007, graphic design: Anna Niemierko;
- 1982 – “You are beautiful, Vistula River” 1981, graphic design: Stefan Małecki;
- 1979 – “Trees – environmental protection”, 1978, graphic design: Janusz Towpik.