Not the photo, but the negative gets the leading role. PostNL brings the stamp sheet New Dutch Design – Recurring Memories designed by 21 second-year Graphic Design students from ArtEZ Zwolle under the guidance of curator Nicole Uniquole. And that design is strikingly photographic: a highly enlarged scan of an analogue film forms the basis.
Analog photography
Instead of showing the print or image itself, the makers consciously chose the material: edges of the negative, perforation holes and numerical codes are clearly visible. These details are combined with graphic patterns and areas of color, creating an abstract image that still feels immediately recognizable.
It is precisely that “tangibility” that makes it such a nice wink design for analogue photographers.
Memories
The concept comes from brainstorming about memories. Students delved into old ones albums of (grand)parents and investigated how images from the past can evoke emotions. The negatives used come from the private collection of one of the students and show, among other things, a forest walk on the Veluwe, a small story that is now told through the medium itself (the roll) is passed on.
Design
All 21 students worked together on concept, design, typography and use of color. They also got a glimpse into the history of Dutch postage stamp designs through a visit to the National Archives, where old design processes are kept.
Recurring Memories consists of a sheet of six stamps in two designs and kicks off the New Dutch Design series of 2026. Three more issues will follow later this year.
Availability
The stamps have a value of Netherlands 1 (mail up to 20 grams within the Netherlands). A sheet of six stamps has a recommended retail price of € 8.40.
Practical:
- Available since February 16, 2026
- For sale at Bruna and through the PostNL webshop
- Can also be ordered by telephone via Collect Club: 088 – 868 99 00
