The Art Workers’ Guild was founded in 1884.  William Morris joined in 1888 and became Master in 1892.  The Guild did not admit women members until 1964.   Joan Hassall (1906-1988), wood engraver, became the first woman Master in 1972.  Amongst other works, Hassall is often remembered for her wood engravings for a seven-volume edition of the novels of  Jane Austen, produced in the 1950s and 60s.

It is, perhaps, fitting then that Angela Barrett, (the celebrated illustrator, b 1955), who is a member of the Art Workers‘ Guild,  should be commissioned to design a set of commemorative stamps which celebrate Jane Austen’s work.

The stamps  published 21 february 2013