A stamp commemorating the 75th anniversary of the publication of the emigration monthly "Kultura"
The Polish Post Office has introduced a postage stamp commemorating the 75th anniversary of the publication of the monthly emigration magazine "Kultura".
"Kultura" was a Polish monthly émigré journal published from 1947 to 2000 by the Literary Institute, initially in Rome and from 1948 in Paris. It was the most important voice of Polish emigration and provided a forum for the exchange of thoughts and views, a forum for the clash of ideas and concepts. In the debates and discussions that unfolded in its 637 issues, a picture of the future Poland emerged. It was also here that works that now constitute the canon of Polish literature were first published. Jerzy Władysław Giedroyc was the editor-in-chief of "Kultura" and the founder and director of the Literary Institute.
The central part of the stamp metaphorically depicts all the monthly issues – from the first to the last – with the inscription "75th anniversary of the publication of the emigration monthly Kultura." The multiple golden pages symbolize the contribution and influence of the Literary Institute and the monthly "Kultura" on Polish culture and the political life of Poles.
The FDC (First Day Cover) envelope complements the stamp's graphics and, in combination with all the other graphic elements, enhances the impression of the magazine's multitude of issues. The impression of abundance is also influenced by the composition and decorative imagery, known in art as horror vacui, which involves filling almost the entire design area. Visible between the card symbols are photos, including those of Editor Giedroyc, as well as proofreaders' marks, geometric shapes, and typographic symbols. The graphic layout—duplications, simple shapes, and scattered font elements—refers to the era of the Polish avant-garde. These reference simple forms evident in the work of Henryk Starzewski, Władysław Strzemiński, and Katarzyna Kobro—renewed today in contemporary artistic solutions, accessible to contemporary audiences.
The date stamp of the first day of circulation graphically refers to the image of the stamp.
The designs of the stamp, FDC envelope and date stamp were created in cooperation between the Polish Post and the Literary Institute in Paris.
About the stamp:
Designer: Bożydar Grozdew
Number of stamps: 1
Value: PLN 3.60
Circulation: 100,000 pcs.
Printing technique: rotogravure
Stamp format: 31.25 x 39.5 mm
Paper: fluorescent
Sales sheet: 50 stamps
Date of introduction into circulation: June 30, 2022