Date: 9th August 2023
Isle of Man Post Office (IOMPO) presents a selection of six noble avian predators which can be seen in the skies around the Isle of Man. The collection of six stamps, which will be issued on 1st September, has been painted by award winning wildlife artist Jeremy Paul. It is accompanied with text written by expert ornithologist Chris Sharpe MBE, whilst EJC Design has translated the art into six beautiful stamps.
Jeremy trained as a marine biologist and was successful in his field, before becoming a self-taught professional wildlife artist. Throughout his long creative career, he has painted a wide range of animals, from birds to polar bears, seals to baboons. In his 25th year of designing stamps for IOMPO, he adds the majestic birds of prey native to the Isle of Man, to his wildlife philately portfolio. Chris is founder of Manx BirdLife and editor of the Isle of Man's first bird atlas. Manx BirdLife is a conservation charity working to protect the Island’s wild birds and the habitats on which they depend.
Jeremy Paul said: “Being commissioned to produce paintings for another series of stamps is a great honour for me as an artist. The thrill of seeing my work on a set of stamps remains as strong as for the first stamps I did over 25 years ago. Birds of prey have always held a fascination for me, and we are lucky here on the Isle of Man in being able to see the six species I have painted regularly, whether it is the sparrow-hawk visiting our gardens or the rare hen harrier quartering over the hills and fields. I chose to keep the images as simple portraits, focussing on the predator’s staring eyes, and I am very pleased with the results.”
Chris Sharpe added: “It is a pleasure to have been asked to provide text for another wonderful stamp issue by Isle of Man Post Office, this one presenting the rich array of Birds Of Prey to be found on the Island. Each species is perfectly adapted to their environment, evolving different hunting strategies to optimise their chances of success. These predators represent the peak of the natural food-chain, essential in helping maintain a healthy balance. Though often misunderstood there can be no doubting their majesty and beauty captured, seemingly effortlessly, by Jeremy in his artwork."
Maxine Cannon, General Manager of Isle of Man Stamps & Coins said: “We are delighted to release this set of stamps that showcases Jeremy's intricate work as well as Chris' expert knowledge. These predatory birds, which are frequently portrayed as frightening and violent, play an important role in maintaining the balance in their natural habitats, and I'm glad that as a contrast we were able to portray their beauty and gentleness.”
The collection will be available as Set, Sheet Set, Presentation Pack and First Day Cover. Visit www.iompost.com/birdsofprey to see the full range of products.
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