George VI Coronation (1937)
Following the abdication of King Edward VIII, Royal Mail was faced with two demands: new definitives for King George VI and an issue to celebrate his Coronation, scheduled for 12 May 1937. Two designs were submitted, by Eric Gill, using portraits by court photographer Bertram Park, and by Edmund Dulac. The King preferred the Dulac design, but some minor alterations were needed, and the printers worked frantically to meet the deadline.
The stamps were issued on 13 May, the day after Coronation, printed in brown with a tinge of violet. The stamps were available at most Post Offices until 2 October when general sales were terminated; however they remained available at the London Chief Office until the end of the year.
