Guernsey Post announces that it will release a six-stamp set showcasing the work of Guernsey artists on 21 July 2020.

Featuring a diverse range of artistic styles and themes, Artwork Collection includes a stamp bearing the logo of SEPAC, the Small European Postal Administration Co-Operation, and forms part of a joint stamp issue entitled Art in the National Collection. It was prepared with the assistance of Guernsey Arts Commission (GAC), which supports the island’s arts community.

Bridget Yabsley, head of philatelic at Guernsey Post, said: – “Although Guernsey doesn’t have a National Gallery, it has a very active and vibrant arts community, so we decided to showcase the wonderful work of some of Guernsey’s artists on our stamps. 

“We had an overwhelming response and it was incredibly difficult to choose which pieces of work to feature on our stamps. We are delighted with the set – and we are very grateful to the GAC for its assistance with this issue.”

The stamps: –

Catskin, Frances Lemmon (50 pence value)

Frances relocated to Guernsey in 1973 before studying at Camberwell School of Art, Sir John Cass School of Art and the London College of Printing. Her paintings are constructed gradually using layers of paint to create vibrancy and translucency. 

Dusk, Keith Langlois (68 pence value)

Keith has enjoyed an extensive career working as a graphic artist, illustrator and animator. On Dusk, he applied a hard pencil to soft watercolour paper to achieve an etched effect, before drawing and smudging a soft pencil over the impressions.

Cobo Gold, James Colmer (70 pence value)

After spending time in Cornwall, James returned to Guernsey where he combines work as a graphic designer, illustrator and artist. Viewed from Le Guet, Cobo Gold was created for a Yellow Art Exhibition held at the Coach House Gallery in Guernsey.

Cobo Wild Flowers in Pink Pot, Olympia McEwan (85 pence value – SEPAC stamp)

Olympia draws inspiration from Japanese imagery and history of art. Olympia has more recently worked on a series of flower paintings that celebrate the sometimes overlooked wild flowers, which can be found on Guernsey’s verges and wild spaces.

Fishing boat, Richard Le Goupillot (95 pence value)

Richard concentrates on painting in oils and acrylics. Subject matter includes paintings based on local seascapes through to semi-abstract work, along with artwork inspired by the shape and pattern of natural forms.

Guernsey Grockles – Vazon Vera, Yasmin Mariess (1.02 pence value)

Whilst Yasmin is better known locally for her professional photography skills, she also enjoys creating art through her passion for ceramic clay creations. Yasmin makes whimsical sculptures such as her Guernsey Grockles series – a nod to the time when Guernsey’s beaches were filled with English tourists known as ‘Grockles’.

Complementing the stamps, Guernsey’s philatelic bureau is delighted to feature The Owl and The Dog by Guernsey-based artist Šárka Lee on its First Day Cover.

For further information please visit https://www.guernseystamps.com/new-issues/guernsey-new-issues/SEPAC-Artwork-Collection