Malta’s 2021 stamps offer collectors stamps, mini sheets, FDCs and presentation packs along with some decent postmarks. As well as the various covers and postmarks, etc., Malta also participates in the yearly EUROMED, EUROPA & SEPAC competitions. This year they serve up some excellent maps & wildlife stamps.

The bulk of Malta’s stamps are designed by MaltaPost p.l.c., and no specific names identified.  Which is a shame, I’d love to know more about the designers behind stamps. However, a few independent artist from Malta are identified. Two notables are Andrew Micallef and Madeleine Gera who shared artistic duties with the January Healthcare Heroes portraits. This is an amazing set.

Of the trio, I think the middle stamp by Madeleine Gera is the most powerful. Most countries have issued Covid/Healthcare worker stamps, but Malta’s are striking because they reveal the staggering exhaustion in their faces. Madeleine Gera studied at the Scuola di Arte Grafica, Il Bissonte and has gone on to explore concepts of beauty in Maltese artwork via her MA thesis  ‘The Concept of Beauty in 19th Century Maltese Painting’. I’ve gone back to her website numerous times to examine her artwork.  To date, this looks like her first stamp for Malta. It would be interesting to see her explore her thesis via stamps. 

The second notable is Malta’s 2021 Europa series by Sean Dingli This is his first stamp designs for MaltaPost and we’ll likely see more in the future. He specialises in microphotography, or as he puts it on his Instagram bio “The How? The What?? and The WOW!”      

After seeing his other microphotography works, I’m hoping Malta taps him to do a series based on what he does best, ‘’A hidden beauty can be found in the unseen, hidden micro world. To experience such wonder, you just need a different perspective’’.  

Cancels

While not as ornate as some postmarks, Malta’s are first class. They tend more towards the minimalist feel, rather than richly detailed, but they are powerful.  The EUROPA chameleon cancel is an example of the work  

I love this cancel for many reasons.  It’s simple, clean and beautifully rendered. And, it’s kind of charming in a chameleon sort of way.  Let me know what you think and which is your favourite. 

Enjoy the 2021 year from Malta. 

January

sheets of 10

FDC & presentation pack

3 stamps, sheets of 10, FDC, cancel, souvenir sheet

Artists/Designers: 
Male healthcare worker – Andrew Micallef
Female healthcare workers- Madeleine Gera

Release date: Jan. 29, 2021

March 

ACT Now Recycle 2021

FDCs & presentation pack

3 stamps, 3 FDCs, cancel, presentation pack

This stamp issue supports this campaign by encapsulating three separate symbols, one on each stamp; Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, also called the 3 Rs. Maltapost Philately – Act Now – The United Nations Campaign for Individual Action (maltaphilately.com)

Designer: MaltaPost p.l.c.
Images: Courtesy of United NationsPerforation

Release date: March 18, 2021

May

MS 200th Anniversary Death of Napoleon Bonaparte 2021

 

 

SEPAC – old maps

June

HRH Prince Philip 2021

sheets of 10

FDC & presentation pack

3 stamps, 3 sheets of 10, FDC, cancel presentation pack

100th Anniversary – Birth of HRH Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh

Designer: MaltaPost p.l.c.

Release date: June 10, 2021

July

EUROMED – Handicraft Jewellery in the Mediterranean

3 stamps, FDC, cancel

• a set of earrings ‘Tais’
• a Maltese Cross pendant
• seed pearl brooch 

All three 19th century pieces are made from gold, and embellished with seed pearls. These three pieces of Jewelry were displayed in the 2013 exhibition ‘Vanity, Profanity and Worship: Jewelry from the Maltese Islands’ organised by Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti and held at the Casino Maltese, Valletta. Maltapost Philately – EUROMED – Handicraft Jewelry in the Mediterranean (maltaphilately.com)

Designer: MaltaPost p.l.c.
Images: Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti

Release date: July 12, 2021

Olympic Games 2020

sheets of 10

FC & presentation pack

3 stamps, 3 sheets of 10, FDC, cancel, presentation pack

Designer: Aidan Cassar

Release date: July 23, 2021 

August

Special cancel 800th anniversary of St. Dominic’s death

Special handstamp available through the Castille Square Post Office

Release date: Aug. 6, 2021

30 years of One Radio Broadcasting

Special handstamp available through the MaltaPost Head Office in Marsa

Release date: Aug. 11, 2021

Maltese Fiesta 2021 

souvenir sheet

maxi cards

FDCs

10 stamps, souvenir sheet, 2 FDCs, cancel, 10 maxi cards

Photographer: Mark Micallef Perconte

Release date: Aug. 25, 2021

November

Christmas 2021 

3 stamps, 3 sheets of 10, FDC, cancel, blocks of 4

Designer: Miguel Farrugia

Release date: November 15, 2021