Monday, January 11, 1999 Published at 16:07 GMT
Masters of invention
Celebrating time and power
The stamps are the first in a series of 12 issues that will mark the coming of the new millennium. Each issue takes a theme from the past 1,000 years of British history.
The individual stamps are numbered, from 48 in January counting down to number one in December.
Called the Inventors' Tales, the first set salute the achievements Britons have made in timekeeping, steam power, photography and computing:
Mr Baylis, whose clockwork radio has won international plaudits and the backing of Nelson Mandela, said the issue was a fitting recognition of the "noble individuals and their inventions."
He said: "Many inventors have to endure the word 'mad' as a prefix to what is an honourable occupation. We are becoming aware of how important individuals are and how they can shape all our lives both socially and economically with their creativity."
The Royal Mail Millennium Collection of stamps will be issued four at a time on the first Tuesday of each month. They will be available in presentation packs and as First Day covers in post offices.