The first Penny Blacks were a huge success, but soon problems became apparent.

Rowland Hill noted in his journal that some people managed to erase the cancel and reuse the stamp. The black ink of the Penny Black proved more resistant and more durable than the red ink of the cancel.

To find the ideal ink for the stamp and the cancel, trials were done in various colours. The extremely rare pieces displayed here show some of the tests done to improve the Penny Black.

= Additional information

Frame 15

Frame 15

Section

Frame 15, Section 1
Frame 15, Section 2
Frame 15, Section 3
Frame 15, Section 4
Frame 15, Section 5
Penny colour trials, exposed in the sun

Penny colour trials in the colour selected for the Penny Red, block of six, exposed to the sun to test colour fading, October 8, 1840

Details

Penny colour trials, printed on sideways
Penny colour trials, exposed in the sun