THE design of stamps and envelopes was discussed at a Worcester school.

Neil Hadfield, course leader for Illustration, Hereford College of the Arts, spoke to year 10 and 11 students at Christopher Whitehead Language College.

He talked about the design of the Penny Black stamp and then discussed the evolution of stamp design, the politics behind the use of the monarch's head and the present designs

Students also saw a range of images of envelopes designed by well-known illustrators, who all participated in a project to send their beautifully designed envelopes to The House of Illustration in London.

Pupils were able to identify some of the artists from the style and images used in the designs and got to take away some illustrated postcards.

The visit was part of the Impetus programme of inspirational lectures which the school is running.