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Manx Winter by Julia Ashby Smyth

Collection Issue Date: 2nd November 2022

The final Isle of Man stamps approved by H M Queen Elizabeth II Lord of Mann

In this winter themed stamp issue, Isle of Man Post Office shares local artwork by Julia Ashby Smyth; a Manx illustrator who is at the heart of the Island’s art scene with her distinctively Manx / Celtic illustrations.

The stamp designs share instantly recognisable Manx wintery locations. The features around the perimeter of the stamps extends outside of the framed border. The Celtic font continues a strong Manx identity throughout the set.

These watercolours have been inspired by Manx winters, specifically snowfall, whether it be pending, during or after. Sometimes momentarily glimpsed from the cosy interior of a moving vehicle, or more often from merely stepping outside, woolly-hatted and frosty-breathed, just enjoying the colours.

Issue Information

Julia describes in her own words, the locations featured; 

Laxey Wheel – Sometimes a winter sky is so intensely blue that it defies its season. A wintery walk to the far side of the Laxey Wheel on such a day revealed every detail in sharp clarity, from the redness of the flags to the yellowness of the flowering gorse.

Ballabeg Stop - A sprinkling of snow and a festively festooned station is incredibly atmospheric, steam and smoke pluming great clouds into a lilac sky, the giggly excitement of Christmas palpable in the air.

Sulby Methodist Church – You can drive past a building regularly without really noticing it. Surround it with snow, and suddenly it takes centre stage. A late afternoon petrol blue sky counterpointed the slate, bringing out the golden tones in the stonework. Low light, along with the buttery glow from the stained glass windows created a delicious warmth. Starlings and sparrows vied for prime roosts in the bright variegated holly tree, their songs, beeps and twitterings filled the air.

Onchan Church Hall - Walking up a snowy Royal Avenue on the way to post some Christmas cards gave the perfect opportunity to appreciate the architecture of Baillie Scott’s Onchan Church Hall, the lights within radiating through the red hearts in the windows, a welcoming glow spilling out through the open door. Designed by architect Ballie Scott, the Hall marks its 125th anniversary in 2022.

Groudle – Taking a walk through Groudle Glen on a fresh bright winter morning, the snow had dusted the rocks and paths creating a pristine canvas on which to drop and criss-cross sharp edged azure shadows. These along with the icy cold silvers and greys of the stream brought an atmosphere of an arctic wonderland.

Agneash – Whilst living up in Agneash we were snowed in for two weeks. The only way to get supplies was to walk down to Laxey. The advantage of this was being able to watch the whole valley, including the smoke from chimneys and the bare bushes, turn ever deeper shades of pink as the sun dipped.

 “I am delighted and honoured that these watercolours have been chosen for the new 'Winter' issue. Inspired by captured moments, most often whilst out walking, bundled up in layers of wool, the cold air nipping at my nose, these scenes bring back many happy memories. The Agneash image, for instance, was painted after a very happy day sledging down snowy slopes. I walked home through an entirely golden pink landscape, even the seagulls were pink. Winter light is exquisite, creating spectacular colours, deeply hued shadows and extraordinarily beautiful skies." - Julia Ashby Smyth

About Julia Ashby Smyth

Julia is a freelance illustrator living and working amongst the trees on the edge of a mossy Manx Glen. Predominantly her commissioned work is book illustrations: from Children’s books and fairy tales to wildlife, fauna and historical buildings.

Graphite and ink are Julia's favourite mediums, but she is equally happy working in watercolour and coloured pencils. Julia loves detail, with much of her work being quite intricate, telling stories layer upon layer, throughout an image; her avid interest in the Manx landscape, its folklore, mythology and symbolism often permeating through to paper.

 

Technical Information

Text Julia Ashby Smyth
Design Isle of Man Advertising & PR
Sheet Size 155mm x 155mm
Format Sheets of 20
Process Offset lithography
Colours 4
Paper 413 True White Litho FSC 110
Perforations 11.5 per 2cm
Stamp Size 32mm x 25.96mm
Printer bpost
Date of Issue 2nd November 2022
Limited Editions Presentation Pack 1100; First Day Cover 1500

Collection Products

Manx Winter Final Approved Queen Elizabeth II Issue Special Cover
Manx Winter Final Approved Queen Elizabeth II Issue Special Cover

Product Code: ABN95
Product Issue Date: 12th December 2022

Final issue to receive royal approval by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Lord of Mann

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Price: £17.50

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Manx Winter by Julia Ashby Smyth Set and Sheet Set
Manx Winter by Julia Ashby Smyth Set and Sheet Set

Product Code: ABN31
Product Issue Date: 2nd November 2022

In this winter themed stamp issue, we share local artwork by Julia Ashby Smyth; a Manx illustrator who is at the heart of the Island’s art scene as curator of the Hodgson Loom Gallery at the Laxey Woollen Mills. Her distinctively Manx / Celtic illustrations are well known and much loved, appearing across the Island through many local commissions.

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Manx Winter by Julia Ashby Smyth Presentation Pack
Manx Winter by Julia Ashby Smyth Presentation Pack

Product Code: ABN41
Product Issue Date: 2nd November 2022

Gracing the cover of this beautiful four-page glossy folder, is three original artworks featuring additional Manx winter scenes by Manx artist Julia Ashby Smyth.

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Price: £10.21

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Manx Winter by Julia Ashby Smyth First Day Cover
Manx Winter by Julia Ashby Smyth First Day Cover

Product Code: ABN91
Product Issue Date: 2nd November 2022

The six stamps featured on the front cover of this deluxe envelope are the final set to be approved by HM Queen Elizabeth II, Lord of Mann.

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Price: £10.16

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Manx Winter by Julia Ashby Smyth Self Adhesive Sheet
Manx Winter by Julia Ashby Smyth Self Adhesive Sheet

Product Code: ABN35
Product Issue Date: 2nd November 2022

A set of 24 £0.73 value self adhesive stamps, featuring artwork by Manx artist Julia Ashby Smyth.

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Price: £17.52

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Manx Winter by Julia Ashby Smyth Self Adhesive Set
Manx Winter by Julia Ashby Smyth Self Adhesive Set

Product Code: ABN32
Product Issue Date: 2nd November 2022

Our 2022 'Manx Winter' Christmas stamps will soon be available via our retail kiosks and post office counter network. Post your letters and cards by attaching one of these festive stamps and be sure to spread some good wishes this Christmas.


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Manx Winter by Julia Ashby Smyth Self Adhesive First Day Cover
Manx Winter by Julia Ashby Smyth Self Adhesive First Day Cover

Product Code: ABN94
Product Issue Date: 2nd November 2022

The full set of Manx Winter by Julia Ashby Smyth Self Adhesive stamps are displayed beautifully on this luxurious envelope. The set is cancelled with a special postmark for the date of issue - 2nd November 2022.

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Price: £8.00

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