The iconic Library of Birmingham has been honoured on a stamp as one of Britain’s architectural gems.

It is one of ten landmark buildings selected for the Royal Mail’s Special Stamp set featuring contemporary architecture in the UK, and depict other remarkable structures such as the Blavatnik Building at Tate Modern, the Eden Project and the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool.

““These new stamps celebrate visionary buildings which combine stunning architecture with great engineering.” Said Stamp Strategy Manager at the Royal Mail, Philip Parker.

Designed by Francine Houben of Dutch practice Mecanoo, she intended the structure to be a “people’s palace” and believes libraries to be “the most important public buildings.”

“To have a building on a UK stamp is a great honour for Dutch architecture.” she added.

The buildings featured on the stamps are landmarks both nationally and in their communities, with their distinctive shapes and lines captured by the collection. Birmingham’s Library is no exception, with visitors from around the world coming to visit the building, and now immortalised on a stamp.

Council deputy leader Ian Ward said: “I’m thrilled Royal Mail recognises it as a landmark building. The Library of Birmingham has become an iconic part of the city’s skyline. Birmingham is now officially first class!”

The stamps immortalises various other architectural feats from around the UK

  • the London Aquatic Centre
  • the SEC Armadillo in Glasgow
  • the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh
  • Giants’ Causeway Visitor Centre in Northern Ireland
  • the National Assembly for Wales
  • the Eden Project
  • the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool
  • the IWM North in Manchester
  • the Blavatnik Building in the Tate Modern, London

The new stamps are available now from 7,000 post offices across the UK.