ESSEX design consultancy Silk Pearce has worked with Royal Mail to develop collector’s products for the set of commemorative stamps marking HM the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Silk Pearce designed a first day cover, two special postmarks and a presentation pack showcasing the new stamps.

The first day cover has been overprinted in mauve metallic ink with a crown illustration and calligraphy by Peter Horridge. These two design elements have been carried through on to the insert card which features two central images of the Queen travelling on different occasions in the Gold State Coach, one in black and white after her coronation and a second in colour from the 2002 Golden Jubilee celebrations.

The two postmarks are based on illustrations of a coach and a “60 years” emblem, also by Peter Horridge. The presentation pack unfolds to describe aspects of the Queen’s role, illustrated with archive photography.

“Silk Pearce has worked closely with Royal Mail to develop an eye-catching and informative presentation pack and first day cover that we believe will be treasured for generations to come by anyone buying or receiving them,” said Alastair Pether, design manager at Royal Mail.

The stamps, designed by Kate Stephens, are based on black and white and colour portrait photographs taken across the six decades of the Queen’s reign.