Professor Andrew Davison, Regius Professor of Divinity at the University of Oxford, advised Royal Mail on the theological and artistic interpretation of its 2025 Christmas stamps, which feature scenes of the Nativity. Professor Ben Quash, Professor of Christianity and the Arts at King’s College London, also contributed, having written the accompanying text for the issue.
Designed by illustrator Paula Doherty, the stamps – which commemorate the artistry of surface and texture – depict an angel for the 2nd class, Mary and Joseph for the 2nd class large letter, Mary and the Baby Jesus for the 1st class, shepherds for the 1st class large letter, and the three wise men for the £3.40 stamp. Drawing on inlaid marble, enamelling, marquetry, and collage, the stamp set combines an artisanal aesthetic with a contemporary retelling of the Nativity story.
Discussing his involvement with the 2025 stamps, Davison told Cherwell: “For six or seven years, Royal Mail have asked me to comment on their designs for Christmas stamps and the text that goes in the presentation pack. I’ve never been involved with the design … I’ve been more like quality control, helping make sure that the Christmas stories or theological traditions around Christmas are handled well, and having an eye to whether something might reasonably but unintentionally cause offence.”
Davison added that he is “thoroughly impressed by how carefully and considerately this part of the company goes about its work”. He added that Royal Mail “have also always been responsive” to his suggestions.
Davison has previously collaborated with Royal Mail, writing the booklet notes for the 2021 Christmas stamps and contributing an article on the depictions of animals in the Nativity.
The Christmas 2025 stamp set is available for purchase from 4th November.
