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Peter O'Toole classic features in Royal Mail's British film stamps
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Peter O'Toole classic features in Royal Mail's British film stamps

THE LATE Peter O’Toole is among the acting greats who feature in a new collection of Royal Mail Stamps issued this week.

Lawrence of Arabia is one of six movies depicted in the Great British Film Special Stamp issue, which celebrates ‘key’ British movies produced since the Second World War.

The Irish-born actor, who grew up in Leeds, featured in the title role and agreed to appear within the Royal Mail collection shortly before his death last year.

His daughter Kate O’Toole said: “Lawrence of Arabia has stood the test of time and still remains a firm favourite in the hearts of film lovers everywhere,”

She added: “The stamp is a wonderful tribute to my father, and, of course, the film.”

The 1962 film won seven Oscars, four BAFTAS and five Golden Globes, and saw O’Toole win international fame and acclaim for his portrayal of the British World War One officer.

british film stamps-n The six stamps released by the Royal Mail that celebrate iconic British films

It features in the special Royal Mail stamp collection alongside A Matter of Life and Death (1946), 2001: Space Odyssey (1968), Chariots of Fire (1981), Secrets & Lies (1996) and Bend It Like Beckham (2002).

Accompanying the set is a four-stamp Miniature Sheet focusing on the work of the GPO Film Unit, which produced ground-breaking documentaries, animations and information films for the General Post Office in the 1930s and 1940s.

Royal Mail’s Andrew Hammond said: “This stamp issue takes in landmark films, epics and influential movies that evoke the distinctiveness and quality of British film and story-telling across key genres.

“We hope they are enjoyed by anyone who has a love of Great British filmmaking at its very best.” Royal Mail consulted film experts, public polls and the British Film Institute to choose the films included in the series.

The stamps are available to buy from www.royalmail.com/greatbritishfilm, by phone on 08457 641 641 and in Post Offices throughout Britain.