Asia Society Presents Collection Of Photographs & Rare Vintage Postage Stamps From The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan

Burt Kerr Todd first visited Bhutan in the 1950s and immediately fell in love with the people and environment of the then-isolated Himalayan kingdom. In 1962, Bhutan's third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, approached Todd to help introduce Bhutan to the world. An inventor and entrepreneur, Todd developed 69 postage stamp issues for Bhutan, a selection of which are on view at Asia Society. These innovative postage stamps are tiny works of art that carried images of the once-hidden Bhutan throughout the world.

The stamps and photographs on display document how Bhutan has preserved its traditions, culture, architecture and environment across generations. "To see Bhutan is indeed to witness the living history of a century-old monarchy," says Frances Todd Stewart.

Asia Society is the leading global and pan-Asian organization working to strengthen relationships and promote understanding among the people, leaders and institutions of the United States and Asia. The Society seeks to increase knowledge and enhance dialogue, encourage creative expression, and generate new ideas across the fields of policy, business, education, arts and culture. More information is available at www.asiasociety.org.

725 Park Avenue (at 70th Street), New York City. The Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 p.m. and Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Closed on Mondays and major holidays. General admission is $10, seniors $7, students $5, and free for members and persons under 16. Free admission Friday evenings, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.asiasociety.org.

Elaine Merguerian, 212-327-9271

Frances Todd Stewart, Creative Products Intl., 412-521-2237