Very little information is available about Barnett Freedman. He was 33 years old at the time of the competition and apparently grew up in London. He was an artist of some renown and his drawings adorn various galleries in the United Kingdom, in addition to his numerous illustrations in books. Lord Kenneth Clark, the Director of the National Gallery, recommended that Freedman be invited to submit a design because of work he had done for the National Gallery.

Legend has it that Freedman sketched out the design for the Silver Jubilee in a taxicab on the back of an envelope.

Following acceptance of Freedman's design a number of essays were drawn up with different profiles of King George's head.

Both Grosvenor Auctions and Consignia were very helpful in providing me with pictures and permission to reproduce them.

Freedman's First Design

This set of four imperforate essays used the "Vandyk" portrait.

Note: Each are denominated 1½d and are in the standard colours. The "2½d stamp" - far right, is in turquoise (prussian blue), the colour favoured by the Post Office

Picture courtesy of Grosvenor Auctions

Freedman was asked to produce a second design. The image below (From the Thomas E. Field Great Britain collection - Robson Lowe Auction, October 22nd, 1958) is the original water colour sketch for the 1d produced by Barnett Freedman. It is red, black and white and measures 9½ x 5¾ inches.

The handwritten note below the stamp reads "Essay for the Silver Jubilee Commemorative Stamp. Produced for the Sir Kingsley Wood. Barnett Freedman"

Picture courtesy of Harvey Russell

Freedman's Second Design The set of five imperforate essays in the accepted design containing the "Vandyk" portrait. The "2½d stamp" - the lowest two essays, are in turquoise and ultramarine, pending a final decision on colour.		Freedman's Final Design The set of five imperforate essays in the accepted design now containing the "MacKennal" head portrait. The "2½d stamp" - the lowest two essays, are still shown in two different colours.
Picture courtesy of Grosvenor Auctions		Picture courtesy of Grosvenor Auctions

The essays of the horizontal type exist in two forms, with large and medium size heads. The scan opposite shows the "Vandyk" head uppermost with the "MacKennal" head below.

King George chose the medium size "MacKennal" head (lower right).

Reversed frame impression of the 1½d in black and brown. Measures 9¼ x 5¼ inches. Is one of six proofs from the original stone which is in the British Museum. (From the Thomas E. Field Great Britain collection - Robson Lowe Auction, October 22nd, 1958)

Picture courtesy of Harvey Russell