Be more like Finland

19th August 2020, 3:43 pm

Finland is social democracy, similar to socialism, but within a capitalist framework; its people among the happiest in the world. On a societal level, its success can be attributed to its rigid social safety network, culture of trust, high-quality education, and a strong commitment to equality.

Credit: Itella Posti. Artwork: TOM OF FINLAND © 1979 Tom of Finland Foundation

In 2014, the Finnish postal service (Itella Posti Oy) issued a set of three Finnish first class stamps drawn by, and celebrating the work of, Finnish artist Tom of Finland (born Touko Laaksonen). Itella reported a record amount of interest in the stamp issue, including pre-orders from 178 countries. They planned to produce 200,000 sheets and allows for online orders by overseas buyers. German Tagesspiegel called the series a “Kassenschlager”, a world-wide box office success with most orders coming from Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and France. [Vitaly Milonov, an anti-gay Russian politician on the Saint Petersburg council, called for the stamps to be banned in Russia and for Finns to refrain from using them on post to his country.]

READ MORE ABOUT THE STAMPS


Tom is honored for his centenary at two Helsinki events in August

You can join the unveiling on Saturday, and afterwards meet everyone at the exhibition till 3p!    

Published: 19th August 2020

Tags: ,

Categorised in: ,