The Church of St James in the Northamptonshire village of Hollowell will be part of Christmas for millions of people this year, as one of their stained-glass windows is featuring as part of Royal Mail’s Christmas stamp collection for 2020.
Six stained-glass Nativity scenes from churches around England have been chosen for the special collection, covering a range of eras, styles and techniques, and showcasing the extraordinary detail and craftmanship of this highly-specialised decorative art.
Reverend Allison Twigg, Associate Priest for The Uplands Group of Parishes (including St James’) said: “I am thrilled that the Nativity window from our little church here in Hollowell has been selected to be a part of Royal Mail’s Christmas stamp collection. It is indeed an honour and will bring much-needed joy to our village community in 2020. I look forward to seeing the window from Hollowell, which is featured on the stamp that costs £1.45.”
The Church of St James was built in 1841 in the gothic style, and is known for its beautiful stained-glass windows in the eastern apse of the chancel, and its rose window above the west door.
As well as St James, stained-glass windows from the following churches are also included in the set:
- All Saints’, Otley, West Yorkshire
- Christ Church, Coalville, Leicestershire
- St Andrew’s, East Lexham, Norfolk
- St Andrew’s, Coln Rogers, Gloucestershire
- St Columba’s, Topcliffe, North Yorkshire
The stamps went on sale on Tuesday 3rd November. They are available at www.royalmail.com/christmas2020, by phone on 03457 641 641 and in 7,000 Post Offices across the UK. In addition, around 1,000 retailers are stocking Christmas stamp booklets this year (lockdown permitting).