Royal Mail was established in 1516 in the reign of Henry VIII. It is the UK's designated Universal Postal Service Provider, supporting customers, communities and businesses across the country. Postage stamps have facilitated the delivery of mail since the 1840s. The first adhesive postage stamp, commonly referred to as the Penny Black, was issued in the United Kingdom in 1840. Royal Mail special stamps promote and celebrate the best of British, whether historic anniversaries, achievements in arts and sciences or sporting success. Grahame Baker-Smith always knew he wanted to be an illustrator. He studied at Berkshire College of Art and Design and has been drawing for over twenty years for both children and adults in books and magazines. In 2011 he won the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal for the outstanding illustrations in Farther. He lives in Bath with his wife and three children.