Ansel Adams Stamp Collection | United States Postal Service
Ansel Adams, 16- Stamp Collection. Courtesy of the United States Postal Service and the Ansel Adams Gallery.
Written by Aundréa Verdi
Ansel Adams was best known for his breathtaking black-and-white landscape photographs. From his meticulous attention to detail that captured the essence of the American West to his environmental advocacy, the photographer's passion for the wilderness permeated his work and life. Beyond his artistic achievements, Adams was also an environmentalist and advocate for wilderness preservation. He used his photography not only to capture the beauty of nature but also to raise awareness about the need for conservation, inspiring others to take action and protect these natural treasures.
On May 15th, the United States Postal Service is set to honor the legendary photographer with a series of stamps that do more than just pay postage—they provoke thought and celebrate the beauty and grandeur of nature. This collection offers a glimpse into Adams' world-renowned portfolio, showcasing his mastery of the medium. The 16 stamps feature a curated selection of Adams' most iconic images. Each stamp is a small masterpiece, showcasing the rich tonality, exquisite detail, and sharp focus that defined Adams' photographic style.
Ansel Adams, Half Dome, Merced River, Winter, Yosemite National Park, California. Courtesy of the United States Postal Service and the Ansel Adams Gallery.
What inspired the collection?
“Ansel Adams is one of the most renown American photographers. Of the many revered artists who have been celebrated by the Postal Service Ansel Adams belongs in that very special group.”
- Derry Noyes, USPS Stamp Art Director
Ansel Adams, Aspens, Dawn, Autumn, Dolores River Canyon, Colorado. Courtesy of the United States Postal Service and the Ansel Adams Gallery.
And why do you feel now is the time to release this collection?
“This is a decision made by the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee. Each year they try to come up with a balanced program, commemorating people from all different backgrounds, appealing to a cross section of the American public.”
- Derry Noyes
Was there consideration for the connection between Adams' depiction of the American West and the USPS's role in its development, influencing the creation of this stamp collection?
“Not that I know of.”
- Derry Noyes
Ansel Adams distinguished himself from other photographers of his time with his commitment to elevating photography to the status of fine art. His crisp, detailed, and strikingly composed images are not just visual delights; they are powerful agents of change. Each stamp in this new collection illustrates Adams’ belief in photography as an art form capable of inspiring and influencing public sentiment about our natural surroundings.
Ansel Adams, Tetons and Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. Courtesy of the United States Postal Service and the Ansel Adams Gallery.
How long has this collection been in the works and who approached the idea first?
“Ansel Adams was included in the Masters of American Photography pane in 2002. I began working on this pane of stamps, commemorating Ansel Adams on his own in 2015. His name originated with the Advisory Committee. Everything was put on hold for numerous reasons, many of which I’m not aware of. We were able to get going again in 2023 so I picked up where I left off.”
- Derry Noyes
Given the grandeur of Ansel Adams' work, how did you think his work would translate onto a stamp?
“Having designed the Masters of American Photography pane, I was confident his work would hold up well at stamp size and make a stunning pane of stamps.”
- Derry Noyes
Ansel Adams, Mirror Lake, Mount Watkins, Spring, Yosemite National Park, California. Courtesy of the United States Postal Service and the Ansel Adams Gallery.
Why did you feel stamps were the proper medium?
“The black and white photography portraying the most beautiful scenes of America, both as grand vistas and in minute details, is so well suited for this medium. We’re familiar with seeing his photographs as posters and notecards. This smallest of mediums is just one more way to reach large swaths of the general public.”
- Derry Noyes
Whether you're sending a letter to a loved one, collecting stamps, or simply admiring the beauty of these miniature works of art, the Ansel Adams stamp collection offers something for everyone.
This collection provides photography enthusiasts a unique opportunity to own a piece of Adams' legacy. It's a chance to carry his vision with you, share it with others, and be reminded of the natural beauty that surrounds us daily. For stamp collectors, these stamps will indeed become prized additions to any collection, cherished for their beauty and historical significance.
Ansel Adams, Monument Valley, Arizona. Courtesy of the United States Postal Service and the Ansel Adams Gallery.
There are so many Ansel Adams photos to choose from, how did you narrate it down? What did the process look like to choose from such a large portfolio?
“I spent a lot of time winnowing down the photographs that would work well together and hold up at such a small size. I was restricted to horizontal photographs. With lots of juggling, adding and subtracting, I came up with photographs that exhibited geographical variety, depth of his meticulous work, and pure and utter beauty of the American landscapes.”
- Derry Noyes
The USPS's new stamp collection featuring the photography of Ansel Adams is a fitting tribute to an artist whose work continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. It's a celebration of America's natural beauty, captured through the lens of a master photographer and preserved for generations to come. Whether you're a photography enthusiast, a stamp collector, or someone who simply appreciates the beauty of nature, this collection is to be noticed.
Ansel Adams, Road and Fog, Del Monte Forest, Pebble Beach, California. Courtesy of the United States Postal Service and the Ansel Adams Gallery.
Question to Matthew Adams, how do you view your grandfather’s legacy and how has it influenced you?
“Ansel's legacy is multi-faceted. Obviously, the most widely recognized aspect is the artwork he created, and the ongoing public love and appreciation of that work. We, the family, the gallery, and the Trust, work hard to maintain the quality and integrity of what he did and how he did it so as to not diminish the respect he achieved in his lifetime. In addition to his artwork, he worked hard to protect wilderness and wildness, for both the principle of not destroying the environment, but also to protect the integrity of conditions that can have a positive influence on the human psyche. For me, I've bought in completely.”
- Matthew Adams, grandson of Ansel Adams and president of the Ansel Adams Gallery
Ansel Adams, Denali and Wonder Lake, Denali National Park, Alaska. Courtesy of the United States Postal Service and the Ansel Adams Gallery.
