Stamps do justice to art in Constitutional Court

Stamp collecting seems to be a dying hobby in today's uber-connected world with most people not having sent an actual snail-mail letter in ages. That doesn't mean that the stamps which make snail-mail possible can't be beautiful or used as mini-marketing tools.

Justice Albie Sachs today launched a set of stamps celebrating the artworks in the Constitutional Court, Johannesburg. The stamps feature works by national icons of art including Marlene Dumas, Penny Siopis and Dumile Feni as well as William Kentridge and Andrew Verster and Robert Hodgkins.

"These are beautiful images of beautiful artworks," said Justice Sachs. "Taken together they represent the common humanity of the diverse people of the nation. The artworks committee of the Court is thrilled: the Post Office has done us proud."

Dr Ivan May, the Chief Executive Officer of the Constitution Hill Trust, said the series of stamps contribute to the story of Constitution Hill through art and its evolution from a fortress to a jail and now the home of the South African Constitutional Court - a celebration of the Light on the Hill.

"The stamps will serve as mini ambassadors of the country as they travel around the world when people send their letters. In this way these stamps will also highlight Constitution Hill as the proud custodian of one of most enlightened Constitutions in the world, " Dr May explained.