The jigsaw puzzle Keith Bassford's Stamp Collection 

The jigsaw puzzle is designed by the British graphic artist and designer Keith Bassford who besides the puzzle has designed a large number of Danish and foreign stamps. The motif of the puzzle is a collage of all Bassford's stamps. The collage presents an overwhelming riot of colours and a profusion of small motifs illustrating an event or a year to remember.

A Special Occasion

A common feature of the stamps is that they are all based on something topical. The commemorative stamps celebrate the anniversaries of persons, buildings, or events whilst the charity stamps - stamps sold at an overcharge of e.g. DKK 0.50 - are issued on the occasion of a worthy case. The artistic technique used by Bassford for his stamp designs is, however, very diversified ranging from classic graphics to modern photos and collage-like compositions. As for the Danish stamps motifs and technique are decided by the artist in collaboration with Post Denmark. 

One of the sixteen stamps from the "20th century" series from 2000 is dedicated to Danish film production in 1927 and shows the silhouettes of "the Lighthouse" and "the Sidecar". All stamps of the series were designed by Keith Bassford and engraved by Martin Mörck. 

The Danish Stamps

The latest stamps that Bassford has designed for Post Denmark are three commemorative stamps issued in 2006 on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of Rosenborg Palace. The stamps feature the Palace itself, the throne with a shining silver lion, and the Danish coat of arms. Bassford's previous Danish stamps have among other things been issued on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the stamp, the 50 year jubilee of the Diabetes Society, and Crown Prince Frederik's 18th birthday. All these stamps and many more recur in Bassford's puzzle - i.e. when all its 300 pieces have been put into their right place.

Keith Bassford

Bassford graduated from The London College of Printing in 1970 and has been working as a freelance graphic designer since 1976. He lives in Odense where he and his wife have their drawing office and workshop. Bassford has been designing Danish stamps since 1986.

The puzzle is available in the museum shop at a price of DKK 120 (+ postage & packing DKK 60). The puzzle measures 60 x 90 cm when done.