Summary

Gloss card folder with a bust portrait of Australian opera singer Dame Nellie Melba on the front (in the role of Rosina in Rossini's opera 'Barber of Seville'. The folder contains a block of ten 60 cent stamps (sheetlet). These stamps feature a colour image of the full length portrait of Melba painted by Rupert Bunny. The stamp set was produced by Australia Post to commemorate the centenary of Melba's birth, 16 May 1861.The stamp was issued at Lilydale, Victoria, on 10 May 2011.

The stamp was designed by Passmore Design; product design was by Jo Mure.

Physical Description

Gloss card folder with a black and white bust portrait of Australian opera singer Dame Nellie Melba on the front. She is in costume, holding a fan in the role of Rosina in Rossini's opera 'Barber of Seville'. The cover also has a pale imprint of sheet music and an imprint of Melba's signature runs vertically alongside the portrait. The inside cover has a photograph of Melba performing at Melbourne Town Hall in 1902. The folder contains a block of ten 60 cent stamps. These stamps feature a colour image of the full length portrait of Melba painted by Rupert Bunny. The reverse cover has biographical text and a black and white photograph of Melba.

Significance

Dame Nellie Melba is one of Australia's most famous cultural icons and exports. Her operatic achievements were acknowledged both nationally and internationally and her World War I fundraising efforts earned her Dame Commander of the British Empire. The stamp pack commemorates the centenary of Melba's birth and demonstrates the enduring place she holds in Australian history.

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