The Design of the New Zealand 1935 Pictorial Issue.

Marcus King, Artwork submitted to the 1935 pictorial design competition.
Marcus King, Artwork submitted to the 1935 pictorial design competition.

The second New Zealand  Pictorial set ( the first being in 1898) was issued on the first of May 1935. After a design competition that began in 1931 with over 1500 entries. After much discussion 11 designers were chosen. Iconic images such as fauna, scenery, maoridom, sport, agriculture and history all being represented.With such a range of imagery the set initially had its detractors, but as the set was issued and the stamps circulated, the images charms were soon celebrated.

'Flyer advertising the design competition for the 1935 Pictorial issue'
'Flyer advertising the design competition for the 1935 Pictorial issue'

The Pictorial issue spanned from 1935 to 1947, a period that witnessed a world recovering from the impact of the great deppression, the devasting effects of world war and then a period of victory and peace.

Slideshow of the final accepted designs, issued May 1st 1935.

The 1935 Pictorials have much to offer the world of stamp collecting and philatelics. Flaws,plate varieties, perforations and colour changes, just to name some of the challenges and interest they can provide. I welcome you to explore this issue here on this website, Just spend time enjoying the variety of this issue, use it as a place of reference.

You are encouraged to contact me if you find errors or mistakes, I do not claim to be a expert , just a enthusiast.  Please feel free to send images and information to be included here so others may share in our collective knowledge.

A range of entries for the design competition.

(Low resolution only)