Australia Post is celebrating 100 years of Australia’s much-loved waistcoat-wearing rascal, Ginger Meggs, with the release of three stamps featuring the work of creator Jimmy Bancks, and subsequent illustrators James Kemsley and Jason Chatfield. The character of Ginger Meggs first appeared in “Gladsome Gladys”, with the comic strip soon renamed “Us Fellers” and then, in 1939, “Ginger Meggs” and is Australia’s most widely syndicated comic strip, having appeared in 129 newspapers in 34 countries. Australia Post Group Manager Philatelic Michael Zsolt said the stamp issue is a wonderful look at the evolution and longevity of one of Australia’s most recognisable characters.
“Ginger Meggs has been part of the Australian identity for generations, and comic strip readers around the world have looked forward to catching up on his everyday capers,” Mr Zsolt commented.
Perth-born, New York–based cartoonist and comedian Jason Chatfield has illustrated “Ginger Meggs” since 2007 and said he was honoured to see the stamps dedicated to the beloved character. “The team at Australia Post have done an incredible job of encapsulating Ginger’s spirit and the different artists’ interpretations over the past century,” Chatfield commented “As the current custodian of Ginge, I am humbled that his 100th birthday falls under my tenure, and I’m grateful to Australia Post for taking such great care in celebrating him.”

 

• $1.10     Ginger Meggs playing cricket

This design features a Jimmy Bancks’ illustration from 1926 depicting a happy Ginger at a makeshift wicket, poised with bat in hand. Characters Tony and Mike play backstop and an eager fielder.

• $1.10     Ginger Meggs with friends

This stamp design features the work of James Kemsley as featured on the cover art of the 1989 kids’ book Wake Up Ginger Meggs, which details the adventures of Ginger and his buddies Bennie and Chubb.

• $1.10     Ginger Meggs at the fence

This design features the work of current “Ginger Meggs” artist Jason Chatfield and reproduces the key element of the cover artwork for the commemorative book, Bancks’ Ginger Meggs, which is an illustrated collection of short stories written by Jimmy’s great-great nephew Tristan Bancks.