About This Stamp
With these stamps, the U.S. Postal Service proves that apples are not only good — and good for you — but they’re also delightful, cheery stamp subjects, just right for postcards!
Some of America’s favorite varieties of this popular fruit are shown in these four stamps, each depicting a different kind: the bright-red Baldwin, the green Granny Smith, the yellow Golden Delicious, and the multi-colored Northern Spy. The stamp art was illustrated with pen and ink and watercolor, with some additional detail added on the computer.
The juicy and aromatic Baldwin apple is thought to be native to Massachusetts. These winter apples are delicious when eaten in season — fresh, cooked, or in baked goods — and are prized by makers of cider.
“Spies are for pies!” The homey little rhyme offers a reminder that generations of cooks have found the Northern Spy apple delicious when baked in desserts. This variety is also good for cider and juice. Scientists believe this apple, loaded with vitamin C and anti-oxidants, may be one of the best at keeping the doctor away.
The Golden Delicious apple, named for its yellow-gold skin and sweet flavor, was declared the official state fruit of West Virginia in 1995. This excellent all-round apple is especially delicious when it comes ripe from the tree. When cooked, it makes a purée good for use in baby foods. This apple is said to make the best apple butter!
This tart, green Granny Smith apple is one of the world’s most well known varieties. Its pleasingly sour flavor and crisp texture makes this juicy apple good for cooking or eating fresh. After it is cut, it keeps its color longer than other varieties, making it an especially good choice for salads.
Designed by art director Derry Noyes, Apples features the work of John Burgoyne.
Art Director
Derry Noyes
For more than 40 years Derry Noyes has designed and provided art direction for close to 800 United States postage stamps and stamp products. She holds a bachelor of arts degree from Hampshire College and a master of fine arts degree from Yale University.
Noyes worked as a graphics designer at Beveridge and Associates, a Washington, D.C., firm, until 1979 when she established her own design firm, Derry Noyes Graphics. Her clients have included museums, corporations, foundations, and architectural and educational institutions. Her work has been honored by American Illustration, the Art Directors Club of Metropolitan Washington, Communication Arts, Critique magazine, Graphis, Creativity International, and the Society of Illustrators.
Before becoming an art director for the U.S. Postal Service, she served as a member of the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee from 1981 to 1983.
Noyes is a resident of Washington, D.C.
Stamp Artist
John Burgoyne
John Burgoyne was raised in Massachusetts, where he developed a passion for art at a very early age. After graduating from Massachusetts College of Art, Burgoyne embarked on a career as an illustrator. Today he works from his studio on Sandy Neck, Cape Cod, in Massachusetts.
Burgoyne’s illustrations have appeared in numerous newspapers and magazines, such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, National Geographic, Cook's Illustrated, New York, Town and Country, Garden & Gun, Golf Digest, and Golf. His corporate clients have included Apple, American Express, Anheuser-Busch, Nike, Delta, IBM, the United States Postal Service, Volkswagen, Daimler Chrysler, Publix, A+E, and A24 Films. He has also created art for the Florida Aquarium, Bermuda Aquarium, and the Bermuda National Trust. Burgoyne's vineyard clients include Harlan Estate, Spottswoode, Trinchero, and Chappellet.
A member of the New York Society of Illustrators, Burgoyne has received more than 100 awards in the United States and Europe. His work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators, Communication Arts, the Hatch Awards, Graphis, Print, One Show, Clio, and the New York Art Directors Club.
Existing illustrations of fruits by Burgoyne have appeared on the Apples postcard stamps (2013); on three 2016 low-denomination stamp issuances: Apples (one cent), Grapes (five cents), and Pears (ten cents); on one 2017 issuance, Strawberries (three cents); and on one 2018 issuance, Meyer Lemons (two cents). He created original illustrations for the Otters in Snow Forever® stamps (2021).