Keith Bowen (UK, B. 1950) "The Milkman" Signed lower left. Original First Day Cover Illustration. Original Charcoal on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Great Britain 32p Food and Farming Year 1989 stamp issued March 7, 1989. Cows are very important to England's farm economy, and they supply the milkman with a good many of his wares. England's extensive dairy herds produce enough milk to meet all the country's need. Over two-thirds of the nation's cream also comes from its domestic herds, as do nearly half of the cheeses consumed in English homes. These include the native cheese of Cheddar Gorge in Somerset, the sheep cheese of Devon, and Dorset Blue Vinney cheese. The town of Melton Mowbray is the home of Stilton cheese, and seventeen gallons of milk, the liquid equivalent of one hundred and thirty -six pounds, are required to produce a single fifteen-pound cheese. The milk is curdled, the curds are scooped out for the cheese and the remaining whey is fed to the pigs raised in the area. This is said to give the pigs' meat a very delectable flavor. Thus, thanks to the dairy cow, Melton Mowbray is famous for its delicious pork-pies and its Stilton cheese. Image Size: 18 x 20.75 in. Overall Size: 20 x 28.5 in. Unframed. (B11933)