The issue of stamps features on the postcards were designed in Australia but produced in Sweden using the intaglio printing process. The master dies were engraved by noted stamp engraver Czeslaw Slania, one of the world's most prolific engravers. The use of this old printing process is a delibertate attempt to recapture the feel of the era which is covered by the subject matter depicted (1894-1934). The postcards, stamp pack and cover were made in Australia by Australia Post. The framed issue was put together by the Stamp Promotions department of Australia Post in Sydney.

The issue was designed and made by Australia Post to present to the museum as recognition of assistance given by officers of the museum in the research stage for this particular issue.

Set of 'Aviation Feats' postal products issue framed and mounted on light green and orange backing board and with an aluminium, all are under clear perspex. The issue consists of: a set of four maximum cards, each is postmarked FIRST DAY OF ISSUE 29 AUGUST 1994/STANWELL PARK NSW 2508. Each card features a different aviation feat. Postcard printed on white cardboard in sepia tones, a photograph of Lawrence Hargrave and James Swain with box kites. 1 x 45c Lawrence Hargrave stamp. Postcard printed on white cardboard in pink tones, a photograph of Ross and Keith Smith, Sergeant Shiers and Sergeant Bennett with Smith's Vickers Vimy airplane. 1 x 45c Ross and Keith Smith stamp.

Postcard printed on white cardboard in blue tones, a photograph of Maintaining Wing Commander Stanley Goble and Flying Officer Ivor McIntyre's Fairey III airplane. 1 x $1.35 McIntyre and Goble stamp. Postcard printed on white cardboard in green tones, a photograph of Freda Thompson with her DH 60G-III Moth Major G-ACUC airplane. 1 x $1.80 Freda Thompson stamp.

One first day cover, a printed pale green envelope, to the left a sketch in dark green of a map overlaid with a four winged propeller and a biplane. Across the top are four stamps: 1 x 45c Lawrence Hargrave stamp, 1 x 45c Ross and Keith Smith stamp, 1 x $1.35 McIntyre and Goble stamp and 1 x $1.80 Freda Thompson stamp. To the right is a title 'AVIATION FEATS'.

One stamp pack made up of folded printed cardboard, printed in blue and yellow, decorated with sketches of various aircraft and a title 'AVIATION FEATS' in yellow.

At bottom centre of work is a rectangle of gray paper printed in black: PRESENTED TO/THE POWERHOUSE MUSEUM/BY/MICHAEL TALBOT/DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER AUSTRALIA POST/TO COMMEMORATE/THE AVIATION FEATS STAMP ISSUE/IN SYDNEY/ON MONDAY 29 AUGUST 1994.

The whole work is backed with a wooden backing mount and the frame has a length of white string attached at the back for hanging.

Designed: Boschen, Janet; Melbourne, Victoria

Designed: Australia Post Graphic Design Studio; Melbourne, Victoria

Designed: Australia Post; Melbourne, Victoria

Made: Australia Post; Sydney; 1994

Made: Slania, Czeslaw; Sydney; 1994

Made: Sweden Post; Sydney; 1994


Used: Australia Post; Sydney

On rectangle of grey paper printed in black: PRESENTED TO/THE POWERHOUSE MUSEUM/BY/MICHAEL TALBOT/DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER AUSTRALIA POST/TO COMMEMORATE/THE AVIATION FEATS STAMP ISSUE/IN SYDNEY/ON MONDAY 29 AUGUST 1994.

94/251/1

510 mm

410 mm

23 mm