Again, the original artwork was executed in two colours, with a third colour added by request as for the 6d. As it transpired the extra expense was fully justified for the third colour—the green “leaf motif” background—improved the design enormously.
The source was a Kodachrome transparency depicting the plant without a background. The ansellia is widely distributed throughout tropical Africa, and grows on trees in savannah country where there is a marked dry season. The spotting of the flowers, which is variable and often heavier than shown, has given it the names of “Leopard Orchid” or “Tiger Orchid”. It is undoubtedly one of the most attractive of African wild orchids and makes a pleasing stamp. The species depicted is Ansellia gigantea, var. nilotica.
Details
- Subject: Ansellia
- Designer: Victor Whitely
- Printer: Harrison & Sons Ltd, London
- Process: Photogravure
- Paper: White paper
- Watermark: None
- Perf: 13.5 x 13 (comb)
- Cylinders:
- 1A (Red-brown), 1A (Yellow), 1A (Olive-green)
- 1B (Red-brown), 1B (Yellow), 1B (Olive-green)
- Sheet: R10 x 6
- Quantity: 2,292,000
- Reprints: 1965
Cylinder Numbers
Sheet Numbers
