SAN MARINO, CA — The public is invited to an unveiling and First Day of Sale ceremony for the Edward Hopper 44-cent Forever stamp on Aug. 24, at The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Rd., in San Marino. The event begins at 11:00 a.m. and has limited capacity. The public is asked to RSVP before Aug. 23 at 661-775-6696 to confirm seating.
As the tenth entry in the Postal Service’s American Treasures stamp series, the Edward Hopper stamp features his sunlit painting The Long Leg. Painted in oil on canvas around 1930, The Long Leg depicts a boat sailing against the wind near Provincetown, MA, where the stamp is officially being issued. The original painting is in The Huntington collection and will be on display inside the gallery on the day of the event. Remarks will be provided by Jessica Todd Smith, the Virginia Steel Scott Chief Curator of American Art at The Huntington.
Hopper was a very private man and an experienced sailor. The Long Leg allowed him to combine his love of the sea with his interest in architecture. The lighthouse in the painting is Long Point Light, at Provincetown. The work shows the artist’s characteristic use of light and mood of isolation.
For this special occasion, the Postal Service will unveil an enlargement of the Edward Hopper stamp and issue a special pictorial postmark. Edward Hopper stamps will be sold at the event, along with other philatelic items such as First Day of Issue ceremony programs and First Day digital covers. The Huntington gift shop will also have related merchandise available.
The special pictorial postmark will be applied free of charge at the event and for 30 days at the San Marino Post Office and by mail. To order by mail, place item to be postmarked, with applicable First-Class postage stamp affixed, in a cover envelope (include your return address) and mail to:
Special Postmark
c/o Postmaster
2960 Huntington Dr.
San Marino CA 91108
The American Treasures stamp series was inaugurated in 2001, and is intended to showcase beautiful works of American fine art and crafts.
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens is a collections-based research and educational institution serving scholars and the general public.
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