Vintage Irish Dexter Cow Proof, English, Framed Artist's Sketch, Barry Driscoll

This is a vintage artist's proof sketch of the Irish Dexter cow. An English, framed original illustration for British Post Office stamps by Barry Driscoll, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1980.

Barry Driscoll (1926–2006) was an acclaimed British wildlife artist and Royal College of Art alumnus, celebrated for his anatomically precise, lifelike animal illustrations. The 1984 Cattle Collection was a set of five exquisite, iconic designs commissioned by the UK Post Office, showcasing historic British and Irish cattle breeds.

A rare opportunity to own a piece of philatelic history, offering collectors a pristine, intimate look at the artist's original creative process. Each piece is signed by the artist, corroborated with the photograph used for illustrative purposes.

Fascinating example of a proof before publishing decisions lead to changes for production
Whilst this sketch is for the Irish Dexter, the Post Office requested another breed for print
Set within a tasteful frame and brown border card with gilt lining
Displays a desirable aged patina and in good original order
Dressed to the rear with hanging wire, for ease of display

Shown in profile, the Dexter is an ancient, small horned breed native to Ireland
Depicted in front of a traditional megalithic stone arch known locally as a Dolmen
Handwritten artist note confirms the production change - 'Not this, Moiled Instead'
Denomination of 12.5p shows this was very early in the process, as 16p was the lowest published value

This is a fascinating vintage artist's proof sketch, offering a rare insight into the creation of, and production changes to a run of British postage stamps. A treat for the collector of Driscoll's art, or the wider stamp collecting world. Delivered ready to display.

Dimensions:
Max Width: 53cm (20.75'')
Max Depth: 2.5cm (1'')
Max Height: 48cm (19'')

Picture Width: 32.5cm (12.75'')
Picture Height: 26.5cm (10.5'')