What does Christmas mean to you?

A set of eight stamps exploring the meaning of Christmas by Jersey artists will be issued on the 11 November 2023.

For this year’s Christmas stamp issue, Jersey Post asked eight local artists the question ‘What does Christmas mean to you?’ They were then asked to express these feelings through their art. The resulting stamp designs are wonderfully diverse, some whimsical and festive, whilst others are beautifully poignant.

Inspired by his love of sea swimming, and a soft spot for the Lido at Havre des Pas, artist Will Bertram has illustrated the Island’s traditional Christmas Day swim on the 60p stamp. Will says, “It’s become a huge part of my Christmas celebration, feeling like you’ve achieved something before easing into a day of relaxation, and that feeling of community and celebration.”

Graphic designer and illustrator, Dean Porter, lost his younger sister in 2020. His design, on the first 98p stamp, is a tribute to her. “The stamp features a family creating snow angels together. However, there is one person missing. The snow angels created by the family form the shape of a flower which represents the ongoing growth and development of the family despite the absence of their loved one. Like flowers, our lives are fleeting and precious, and we should make the most of our time with those we love. The stamp represents the importance of family, love, and connection during the holiday season.”

‘Freestyle’ artist, Glen Fox’s ink drawing style, is bold and distinctive and is used on the second 98p stamp. He comments: “The main look about Christmas for me is ‘being together’ and ‘eating well’. In my opinion it’s a time of year for giving and this is what I’ve tried to portray in the drawing.”

Storybook illustrator, Erin Brown’s magical design, features two cosy Jersey crapauds* sipping mugs of steaming hot chocolate, with a string of twinkling fairy lights in the foreground, and picturesque Portelet Bay in the background. This enchanting image is used on our £1.65 stamp.

Known for her distinctive landscape paintings, Louise Ramsay’s design is featured on the £1.85 stamp and depicts St. Matthew’s Glass Church in Jersey. Built in 1840, the church is known for its glasswork by René Lalique. Louise comments: “I hope this image of St. Matthew’s Glass Church, bathed in light, expresses what Christmas means to me by making reference to faith, light, love, family, peace, welcome and warmth.”

The £2.55 stamp features Rosemary Blackmore’s design of a wonderfully, wintry oil painting of a Jersey cow in the snow. Rosemary Blackmore is best known locally for her beautifully constructed Jersey cow art, usually presented in oil or watercolour.

Illustrator and graphic designer Gabriella Street describes her works as being “inspired by her mental health, nature, and the little everyday moments that people forget to notice.” Her bright design on the £3.25 stamp features a marshmallow and candy cane adorned drink, with St. Ouen’s Bay’s La Rocco Tower and a star-filled night sky in the background.

Freelance illustrator Lauren Radley created the stamp designs for Jersey Post’s 2021 Jersey Parishes and 2023 Traditional Markets issues, returning this year to artwork the £4.20 stamp. Lauren says “Christmas to me is all about the decorations and decorating the tree!”

This commemorative issue, entitled ‘What does Christmas mean to you’ will be available to buy from all branches of Jersey Post from 11 November 2023.

Philatelic stamp products such as miniature sheets, first day covers and presentation packs will be available from the Jersey post offices at Broad Street, St Helier and Rue Des Pres, St Saviour and can be ordered now at www.jerseystamps.com or by telephoning the Jersey Philatelic Bureau on: 00 44 (0)1534 616717. (Ends)

If you require any further information please contact Sam Fleming, Philatelic Marketing Manager, on   01534 616 724 or email sam.fleming@jerseypost.com

Notes to editors

Technical details: Issue designed by TPA Jersey, featuring various Jersey artists. Eight self-adhesive die-cut stamps printed in offset four colour lithography plus spot litho metallic silver ink by Cartor Security Printers, France. Stamp die size: 36mm x 36mm within 42mm x 42mm roulette perforated panels as sheets of ten. Stamp products © Jersey Post Ltd 2023.