To boldly go…
The set comprises 12 stamps that depict the captains from six principle TV series, plus additional crew members: Captain James T Kirk; Spock; Captain Jean-Luc Picard; Commander Deanna Troi; Captain Benjamin Sisko; Doctor Julian Bashir; Captain Kathryn Janeway; Captain Jonathan Archer; Lieutenant Malcolm Reed; Captain Gabriel Lorca; Lieutenant Ash Tyler; and Commander Michael Burnham. Six of these characters are played by British actors.
A further six stamps, presented in a miniature sheet, feature characters from across the movies of the franchise, and are all played by British actors: Montgomery Scott; Shinzon; Tolian Soran; Klingon Chancellor Gorkon; Carol Marcus; and Krall.
Star Trek was the brainchild of pilot turned writer-producer, Gene Roddenberry, who envisaged a science fiction show where thrilling interstellar action was combined with a thoughtful exploration of moral issues. With its ethnically diverse cast and optimistic vision of a united future, Star Trek launched on American television in September 1966; its mission to transport viewers on a journey into the farthest reaches of the universe, telling epic stories, filled with excitement and intrigue.
The long-running space-opera has, to date, produced more than 780 episodes and 13 movies. Screened globally, it has been a cult phenomenon for decades and has produced catch phrases that are in common use.
The 12 main character stamps were illustrated by London-based illustrator, Freya Betts. Each stamp portrays the characters alongside reflective details in the background of their respective shows, including the iconic starships.
Inspired by his time serving in the US Air Force, his love of CS Forester’s nautical adventure stories and science fiction movies such as 1956’s Forbidden Planet, writer-producer Gene Roddenberry first pitched Star Trek to TV companies in 1964. The show would follow the crew of an Earth-based starship, originally called the Yorktown but later renamed the Enterprise, as they explored the galaxy, making weekly stops on alien planets and encountering all kinds of non-human life.
Signing a contract with Desilu, a production company owned by comedy star Lucille Ball, Roddenberry brought in skilled writers and other collaborators to help him develop Star Trek into a weekly series that would resonate with American TV audiences. After several false starts, the show was first broadcast on the NBC network in September 1966. It was first broadcast in the UK in 1969, with repeats over the next decade building its popularity and cementing its place in popular culture.
In 1987, Gene Rodenberry launched Star Trek: The Next Generation which introduced a new Enterprise and crew under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, which ran for an astonishing 178 episodes. Further series have followed, with this year seeing the launch of Star Trek: Picard, where actor Patrick Stewart reprised his iconic role for a new adventure.
Stamp strategy manager, Philip Parker, said: ‘For more than 50 years Star Trek has enthralled and inspired generations of loyal fans with extraordinary adventures and an optimistic vision of humanity’s future. We celebrate the Star Trek universe with stylish new stamps of its iconic characters.’
The full set of 18 stamps, available in a Presentation Pack, retails at £14.80. The stamps and a range of collectible products are available now to pre-order from www.royalmail.com/startrek and go on general sale on 13 November.
