2023 marked the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush in the UK. Supple Studio was asked to design a set of eight stamps, to be issued by Royal Mail, to celebrate the influence and contribution of the Windrush Generation to the UK.

Originally briefed as a set of images by one artist, it soon became clear that the rich variety of influences introduced by such a vibrant generation would be better served through the commission of different image-makers.

“Sharing the project with our friends at The Chase, we worked on four stamps each and commissioned five Black British artists, all with a Caribbean heritage, to depict one of eight cultural influences – everything from sport and music, to food and politics,” says Supple Studio. “The artists were selected not just because of their obvious talent but also because they had Windrush Generation heritage.

“For the typography and stamp values, we chose the typeface BC Empire Windrush, designed by Black British designer Greg Bunbury as a homage to the typography found on the bow of the iconic HMT Empire Windrush ship that first docked in Tilbury, England, on June 22, 1948.”

Credits:
Design: Supple Studio; The Chase
Creative Directors: Jamie Ellul (Supple Studio);
Richard Scholey (The Chase)
Design Directors: Becks Skinner (Supple Studio); Ric Bixler (The Chase)
Illustrators: Tomeka George, Emma Prempeh, Alvin Kofi, Kareen Cox, Bokiba