Isle of Man Post Office has presented a set of six stamps featuring the paintings of Manx artist and mariner, the late John Halsall with commentary on the rich Island maritime heritage by Manx National Heritage Curator of Social History Matthew Richardson. These beautiful stamps feature Tthe following ships: Star of India, Lady Elizabeth, Nobby White Heather, Empress Queen, SS King Orry and Lady of Mann.
As an island nation, the Isle of Man is closely connected to the sea. The Isle of Man has a long and proud tradition as a seafaring nation and for many generations its people have made a living from this. Manx vessels of all sizes have played an enormous role in its history, and are fondly and proudly remembered by its people.
The Star of India (1863) that is shown the first stamp was constructed by the Ramsey ship yard. She is the oldest iron-hulled merchant ship still floating. The second item features Lady Elizabeth (1879) that was not Manx built but was commanded by George Christian Karran of the Karran Fleet, sailing out of Castletown. The Nobby White Heather (1904) that appeared on the third stamp was built by Neakle & Watterson of Peel, and was registered as a fishing boat with port code PL5.
Empress Queen (1897) was the most powerful paddle steamer ever constructed, and during the First World War she became a troopship. She was lost when she ran aground on the Isle of Wight. This ship is depicted on the fourth item. The fifth stamp shows SS King Orry (1913). The ship was built by Cammell-Laird at Birkenhead. She became an armed boarding vessel in the North Sea, searching for contraband and enforcing the blockade against Germany. And the last item is devoted to Lady of Mann that was constructed by Ailsa Shipbuilding at Troon.
See also other ship stamps.
