The Jersey 2024 stamp program is in full swing. Know what’s great about a new year? A new stamp program from Jersey begins. I have acquired a deep passion for the stamps and an even deeper respect for the history of the Island and how the post office show cases it. Stamps … can’t beat them.
Ever wonder what a year in Jersey is like? Well, here’s 2023 in one slideshow.
By the way, I set that slide show up after the accident that made my vision all wonky, so if I included a wrong stamp let me know so I can remove it. The old vision is still pie-eyed and blurry but getting better.
Beautiful glimpse of the island though, isn’t it? One of the great things about collecting Jersey stamps is knowing the pride Jersey Post has in supporting and promoting the artists and designers they hire. So many post offices don’t even list them, and they remain the anonymous heroes of the stamp world.
Was there a favourite? Tough choice. But I think …. hmm … just one favourite? Tough call, but the Judith Kerr series from June rank #1 and History of Knitting #2.
Judith Kerr (1923-2019) 100th Birthday included one of her best tales The Tiger Who Came for Tea. The tiger is pretty much the worst kind of guest who invites himself in but turns into a delight, for the child. In 2019, the story was animated and appeared at the SPARK ANIMATION FESTIVAL 2020. Robbie Williams supplied the title song. You can see a clip here.
“Do you think I could have tea”
Fans of the story will recognise the above quote from the tiger. Jersey Post respected the original artwork and warmth of Kerr’s stories, creating a memorable series. But then again, the series does feature a lot of cats, so it was likely a natural winner from the start.
November’s History of Knitting was also in contention. If offered a glimpse of Jersey’s rich past.
Artist Chris Wormell created a set that felt like they were graphic posters, ready for hanging on the wall. That’s a hint Jersey, just in case you are reading this. Wormell’s talents. He was also the creative hand behind the 2021 150 Years of Brewing in Jersey set. You can read about the knitting stamps here.
So, what does 2024 have in store? Already some great art has appeared and its only February. The year began with the annual Lunar New Year stamps. Who had the honour of designing Jersey’s Dragons? None other than the amazing Wang Huming. If you aren’t aware of Wang, he’s a powerhouse in the stamp design world. He doesn’t get the recognition in the west that he deserves. Collectors of Lunar New Year stamps should recognise his name, he has designed Jersey’s New Year stamps since 2016. But that wasn’t his first stamps for Jersey. He began a year earlier in 2015 with the Links with China – Garden Flowers series, teaming up with none other than Martin Mörck for a 6-stamp set. Think of it – one of the great Chinese artists and designers teaming up with the legendary Mörck! Why isn’t there a bigger fuss over this? Can we have another pairing?
Enjoy the adventure Jersey Post is bringing for 2024.
Catpaw
January
Lunar New Year – Year of the Dragon
1 stamp, souvenir sheet, 2 FDCs, cancel, postcard, 2 presentation packs, sheets of 10
offset with gold metallic ink
“… the dragon is the only zodiac animal which is a mythical creature, and is usually used as a symbol of power in China. Dragons are also seen as a symbol of good fortune, and those born within the year are considered naturally lucky and gifted.
…. the designs are based on a Chinese style of painting and paper cutting.
… the image on the £1.65 stamp sheet for the Lunar New Year- Year of the Dragon features a gold dragon, with a sharp red background. Golden dragons have been associated with powerful deities and harvest in Chinese culture. Additionally, red is seen as a colour of prosperity and joy….
The miniature sheet depicts a detailed Chinese dragon flying through the clouds. Wang Fu a Chinese historian and philosopher during the Eastern Han Dynesty suggested that the Chinese dragon’s unique appearance is due to it being a combination of many different animal features. These features include heads which are in similar shape to a camel, the ears of a bull, the antlers of a stag, the body of a snake, the armoured body belly of a clam, feet similar to a tigers, talons of an eagle and a body that includes the protective scales of a carp. …
Roxanne Le Voguer, Philatelic Research and Marketing Executive, Jersey Post press release December 8, 2023
Designer: Wang Huming 王虎鸣
Release date: January 4, 2024
Europa: Underwater Fauna and Flora
8 stamps, souvenir sheet, 2 FDCs, cancel, 2 stamp packs, 8 sheets of 10
“Swimming in the sea all year round, photographing underwater opened my eyes to a beautiful world. The ever-changing sea is a studio of colours, patterns and reflections.”
Nicola Miskin, photographer
This year the EUROPA theme is Underwater Flora and Fauna. Jersey Post is highlighting the underwater flra and fauna from around the coastlines of the island. The stamps in order:
- Snakelocks anemone
- Bladder wrack
- Common limpet
- compass jellyfish
- flat periwinkle
- sea lettuce
- carrageen
- great scallop
- velvet horn
Photographer: Nicola Miskin
Misking began photographing underwater wonders in 2018 “when she was given a worn underwater camera, which she used to master the art of taking beautiful photographs whilst being buffeted by the currents.” (Roxanne Le Voguer, Philatelic Research and Marketing Executive, Jersey Post press release January 5, 2024).
Release date: January 8, 2024
March
Celebrating 200 Years of the RNLI
6 stamps, prestige booklet, FDC, cancel, 6 sheets of 10
offset
- RNLB Eric W. Wilson
- RNLB George Sullivan
- Le Braye Beach
- RNLB Howard D
- Gold Medal Rescue to Yacht Fanny
- Sir William Hillary, Founder of RNLI
RNLI – Royal National Lifeboat Institution – Saving Lives at Sea
Joint issue with Isle of Man and Guernsey
Designer: RNLI Creative
Release date: March 4, 2024
April
Jersey Western Railway
6 stamps, souvenir sheet, 2 FDCs, cancel, souvenir sheet presentation pack, stamp presentation pack, 6 postcards, 6 sheets of 10
offset
- St Aubyns* No.2 locomotive (60p stamp)
- St Heliers No. 1 locomotive and crew (1st 98p stamp)
- St. Brelade’s No.4 locomotive (2nd 98p stamp)
- Corbière No. 3 locomotive and crew (£1.65 stamp)
- Two trains passing on La Corbière loop line (£2.15 stamp)
- Sentinel-Cammell Steam Railcar and crew (£2.95 stamp)
Jersey Western ran from 1870 to 1936, with 1925 the Golden Age for JWR. By 1928, there was an increase in private cars and buses, which signaled the slow decline of rail in Jersey. In 1936 a fire at the St. Aubin station destroyed both the station and 16 carriages, causing the line to close permanently. By the end of the summer of 1937 the locomotive and remaining cars were scrapped.
Kevin’s approach to his artwork is viewing it as a pictorial diary of his life. The subjects he decides to draw, and paint capture the story of his life and what he wants others to see. When tasked with creating the Jersey Western Railway stamp issue, Kevin visited the Pallot Steam Museum, where he gained access to their archive and photographs of the western railway. He used these images as a guide to develop a structure and story behind each stamp’s artwork.
Additionally, to gain a visual understanding of the landscape surrounding each station, Kevin walked along the railway track (now a footpath). He took his camera with him on the walk and captured the views that the crews and passengers would have seen on the route.
Artist: Kevin Pallot
Jersey native, Kevin Pallot wears three hats – artist, singer and teacher. Previous stamp 150 years of the Societe Jeriaise (2023).
What I Know – Kevin Pallot – Jersey Evening Post
Release date: April 4, 2024
SEPAC Iconic Tourist Destinations – 150 Years of La Corbière Lighthouse
I’ve paired next two stamps with the original engineering sketches of the lighthouse build (sketches courtesy Jerripedia).
5 stamps, souvenir sheet, 2 FDCs, cancel, prestige and presentation pack, 5 sheets of 10
offset with special blue ink
The souvenir sheet has glow-in-the-dark UV spot ink over the beam from the lighthouse
The lighthouse can be found at Geo location 49.179902°N 2.250148°W
Each year SEPAC – the umbrella organisation for small European post offices has a thematic competition. This year each country celebrates an important tourist site. Jersey picked La Corbière Lighthouse, which went into service April 24, 1874. It was automated in 1976.
Designed by civil engineer Sir John Coode, the lighthouse sits on the Saint Brelade coast. It stands19 m (62 ft) high has become a favourite tourist attraction over the decades.
Its origins underscore the dangerous coastline it was created to look over:
Violent seas have caused many a shipwreck at Corbiere over the years. The name, which is probably derived from corbeau, the French for crow, is commonly found elsewhere in the French-speaking world, notably in Guernsey, the north Brittany coast, central France and Switzerland.
Jersey’s Corbiere is first recorded in the 1309 Assize Roll, after a tub was washed ashore there. It was a regular occurrence for a ship to founder on the rocks when rounding the corner of the Jersey coastline in stormy weather and its cargo to be washed up on the sands of St Ouen’s Bay.
It was not until 1873 that the lighthouse was constructed which now allows ships to plot a safe route. It is 11 metres tall and was the first lighthouse in the British Isles to be constructed of concrete. [1]
The light can be seen from a distance of over 25 kilometres, but this has not stopped smaller vessels from taking a short cut through the rocks off the coastline en route from Jersey to Guernsey and coming to grief after striking a hidden rock. La Corbière – Jerripedia (theislandwiki.org)
The stamp design was based on original engineering designs of the lighthouse. If you’d like to read more on the lighthouse and its construction, Jerripedia has an entire, detailed page Construction of Corbiere lighthouse – Jerripedia (theislandwiki.org).
Designer: Martin Mörck
Martin has contributed some phenomenal artwork to the Jersey stamp programs over the years. His first designs for Jersey Post was the
Europa (C.E.P.T.) 2020 – Ancient Postal Routes series. The set featured early mail boats and ships that worked the Channel Islands. His 2022 stamps showcased Tractors that worked the fields in Jersey. The set served as an interesting history of farming in Jersey.
2023 was another good year for engine driven vehicle lovers. The Emergency Services series was a brief survey of cars, boats and airplanes used by Jersey’s emergency services over the decades. The 1905 Fire Engine was the winner of the set.
Martin’s final Jersey stamp for 2023 was the Coronation of King Charles III.
Release date: April 24, 2024
May
Crest of Jersey stamps and King Charles
10 crests of Jersey, 1 KC stamp, souvenir sheet, 2 presentation packs (one for Jersey Crest, one for Charles), 10 sheets of 25
offset with spot simili gold metallic hot foil
Designer: Martin Mörck (King Charles) using a photo by Mario Testino
Release date: May 28, 2024
June
Rotary Club of Jersey Centenary
6 stamps, souvenir sheet, 2 FDCs, cancel, 6 sheets of 10
offset
- Conservation tasks at Les Mielles
- Construction of sand dams in Kenya
- Children’s days out in Jersey
- Promoting Peace and Conflict Resolution
- Good Companions Club
- Global Polio Eradication Initiative
Designer: SoDesign
Release date: June 6, 2024
July
Fruits of Jersey
8 stamps, presentation pack, FDC, cancel, 8 sheets of 10
offset
- Brown Turkey Fig
- Cider Apples
- Medlar
- Damson Plum
- Chaumontel Pear
- Strawberry
- Kiwi Fruit
- Quince
Jersey’s unique ability to grow fruits is partly due to the Island’s fertile soil and special farming techniques, such as *Vraicing. Additionally, due to the microclimate caused by being situated between England and France, Jersey has in the past been able to benefit from ideal weather conditions to grow an abundance of products, including the fruits featured in this issue. Jersey Post Unveils Exquisite New Stamp Series Celebrating the Fruits – Jersey Stamps
Artist: Rosemary Blackmore
ROSEMARY BLACKMORE is an artist living and working in the island of Jersey, where she was educated.
She graduated from Bath Academy in the 1960’s with a B.A.Hons degree in Fine Art and has worked as a professional artist ever since.
She produces paintings, ceramics, prints and textiles, all inspired by the natural world that surrounds her, especially the coast which is so intrinsic to island living.
ROSEMARY BLACKMORE: ABOUT
Release date: July 4, 2024
Debussy in Jersey
6 stamps, souvenir sheet, mini sheetlet, 2 FDCs, cancel, stamp / souvenir sheet / mini sheet packs.
offset
Debussy spent an idyllic summer (1904) in Jersey, enjoying the seashores and tranquility.
In a letter, Debussy expressed his contentment: “But this country is a delight, I’m at peace which is better still, and I’m completely free to work, which hasn’t been the case for a long time…”
“The sea has behaved beautifully towards me and shown me all her guises.”
“I’m still in an absolute daze.”
FOCUS: Debussy’s tranquil summer in Jersey | Bailiwick Express Jersey
The background features various points of interest that highlight Debussy’s music scores. There’s a lot to digest, so I’ll rely on Jersey Post’s concise writeups.
The 6 stamps “incorporate elements of Debussy’s sheet music into the background of each stamp. The Portelet Bay stamp features L’isle Joyeuse and the pair of 98p stamps, La Corbière and St Brelade’s Bay, feature La Mer. The Portelet Bay stamp features Estampes (Pagodes), Havre des Pas features L’isle Joyeuse and Grand Hotel stamp, Claire de Lune.”
The mini sheet “incorporate excerpts of the score for La Mer into the background. The style of the wave featured on the miniature sheet takes inspiration from Hokusai’s iconic Under the Wave off Kanagawa, also known as The Great Wave. Debussy collected a selection of Japanese artefacts during his time as a student of Rome between 1885-1887. One such piece was a print of The Great Wave, which Debussy kept on his studio wall.”
The presentation pack includes the Great Wave, and iconic Jersey sites, and the Debussy quote “The sea has behaved beautifully towards me and shown me all her guises.
The FDC includes Debussy with an umbrella, bits of a music score and the quote “But this country is a delight, I’m at peace which is better still, and I’m completely free to work,
Debussy was featured on a Jersey stamp in 1985. Claude Debussy (composer) and Elizabeth Castle, part of the 3 stamp Europa (C.E.P.T.) 1985 – European Year of Music set. “Designer was Jennifer Toombs
Artist: Will Bertram
Bertram also designed the 2023 Jersey Christmas set
“I always drew and liked drawing,” Will said. “I drew as a hobby. I did a lot of model making as a kid, I was really good at painting and doing details. Art was the only thing I liked at school, so I put all of my effort in that.” Bertram in a 2019 interview with Bailiwick Express. And yes, I have the paper bookmarked. It’s a treasure of news and views from the island.
Bailiwick Express had a fun little article on the artist How I unwind: Will Bertram, Artist | Bailiwick Express Jersey
Release date: July 25, 2024
August
Jersey’s Wetland Birds
6 stamps, souvenir sheet, 2 FDCs, cancel, 2 stamp packs
offset
- Northern shoveler (Spatula clypeata) – Northern Shoveler – Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio
- Western marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) – Western marsh harrier – Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio
- Tufted duck (Aythya fuligula) – Tufted Duck – Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio
- Northern lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) – Northern Lapwing – Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio
- Common snipe (Gallinago gallinago) – Common Snipe – Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio
- Reed bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus ) – Common reed bunting – Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio
The Jersey Wetland Centre has a bird watching viewing centre.
The newly opened visitor centre is accessed by a door that opens in to a tunnel through a dune mound. The tunnel then opens out to provide panoramic views of the reed bed and pond. The Wetland Centre’s 16 viewing windows afford truly incredible views of the reserve and its wildlife. Wetland Centre – National Trust for Jersey
Best part? They don’t assume we are all 6ft tall and included view ports of varying heights and seating at viewports.
Artist: Elvensø Illustration
Elvensø Illustration was founded by Jersey native Thomas Norman.
The son of a Jersey fisherman, Tom’s designs are inspired by his beautiful Channel Island home and a love of the intricacies of maps.
Named after his mother’s Danish family, elvensø illustration specialises in bold and distinctive designs. Clean and modern, Tom’s most popular images are his Channel Island maps and striking big cat portraits.
Able to create drama with pen and paper, Tom is also an accomplished watercolour artist, and here you can find his designs on everything, from beautifully simple postcards to limited edition prints, puzzles, T-shirts and accessories.
About | elvensoillustration
Release date: August 6, 2024
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