Roger Hargreaves' cartoon creations have remained a constantly popular option for decades in the world of childrens literature. The bold and colourful design of each book coupled with the universality of its eponymous personality has ensured their enduring success.
In 1971 the first books, in a series that eventually numbered over 80, were published featuring a series of male characters who lived up to their names followed ten years later by a complementary series featuring female characters, whose stories conveyed a simple moral lesson. The Generic Sheet comprises ten stamps featuring a selection of characters from the series, each with an attached label depicting a key illustration from the relevant story.
Each cover in this pair carries five stamps and labels with a Cowden, Edenbridge handstamp for Hargreaves' family home. The wording, 'What does a tickle look like?' was the question asked by Adam Hargreaves, the author's son, which prompted the writing of the very first book.
