technology, fewer letters, how the intaglio stamp tries to survive

What is the place of the intaglio stamp in a time of technological developments and the decline in shipments in France? We went to meet an engraver who wishes to perpetuate this know-how, already abandoned in several European countries.

Today, when we send mail, we have many options for postage. Stick a stamp, print a code or even copy a number. For many people, the type of stamp doesn’t matter as long as the letter arrives at its destination. Many people opt for self-service kiosks which issue a code on a label.

In this context, one might wonder whether the intaglio stamp still has a future. Its production is more costly for La Poste and is the result of long, careful work. Today, only 14 professionals in France have mastered this art by hand: intaglio engraving, known as “intaglio”.

A know-how

In Occitania, there are a handful who perpetuate this know-how. We met Christophe Laborde-Balen, an engraver based in Coursan, in Aude. For several years, he has been designing postage stamps. In his workshop, he is currently preparing a commemorative stamp which will be marketed in June 2025.

Starting from a blank sheet, he shows imagination while respecting a precise order from the La Poste group. “Is begins by sketching characters to rough it up. Once the idea is in mind, I refine the drawing to the scale of a stamp for engraving, with very precise lines, because each line will be engraved. explains Christophe Laborde-Balen. Once the design is completed, it is hand-engraved onto a steel plate.

It’s a real little work of art. If you run your finger over, you feel the ink hem. You get a miniature print for the price of a postage stamp, or 1.26 euros.

Christophe Laborde-Balen

Engraver

The intaglio engraved stamp is more expensive to produce and must cope with evolving technologies. In the majority of European countries, this type of stamp has disappeared, due to its production cost and competition from modern postage solutions. In post offices, these stamps are still sold, but often only at the counter, regrets a customer who chooses to frank her letters only with beautiful stamps.

When I send a letter, I put a pretty stamp. It’s so much more aesthetic, and what’s more, you can choose them according to themes.

For philatelists, it is impossible to send a letter with a simple barcode. Michel Soulier, collector and president of the Montpellier Philatelic Association, deplores the difficulty of finding intaglio stamps in small post offices.

Michel Soulié has been collecting stamps since the age of 8 and today has thousands of pieces. Among its treasures, the first intaglio stamp issued in France in 1928, on the theme of work. For Michel Soulier, the survival of the engraved stamp rests on philatelists, a passion in decline today.

The intaglio engraved stamp depends on supply and demand. Without buyers, it is doomed to disappear.

Michel Soulié

Philatelist

The main threats weighing on the intaglio stamp are directly linked to the decline in postal activity. In 15 years, the number of letters sent to France has been divided by three. In 2005, an association to promote the art of engraved stamps was created. It brings together 700 members, including professional engravers, to defend this know-how.

From the year 2000, intaglio stamps became increasingly rare, representing only 10% of production in 2004.

Pascal Rabier

President of the Engraved Stamp Art Association

The AGV Art du Timbre Gravé association carries out actions to preserve this art. La Poste is therefore committed to maintaining between 36 and 42% of stamps in intaglio or mixed printing in its philatelic program.

In 2023, La Poste set up philatelic displays in 5,600 post offices, which allowed an increase in sales (3 million additional stamps between the first half of 2023 and the first half of 2024), explains Olivier Zuzlewski, director of the Philaposte printing works in Boulazac.

The objective is to arouse desire. We must offer beautiful creations and stick to current events so that the stamps continue to circulate.

Olivier Zuzlewski

Director of the Philaposte printing works in Boulazac

Each year, La Poste produces between 20 and 30 new intaglio-engraved stamps and plans to maintain its production.

In October 2023, “The art of the intaglio stamp” was included in the inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.