RNLI sculpture is given stamp of approval by Isle of Man Post Office
A sculpture celebrating the significance of the RNLI on the Isle of Man has been chosen as a design on a commemorative stamp set. Today the set will be presented to one of the world’s most widely recognised sculptors.
The Isle of Man Post Office has unveiled a set of six landmark stamps focussing on major public works by the world-renowned sculptor and printmaker Michael Sandle RA. Michael who was brought up and studied on the Isle of Man before becoming one of the most widely recognised sculptors in the world.
Each stamp will showcase one of his many well-known sculptures from various locations, including the two situated on the Isle of Man.
The first stamp is a detail of the Lifeboat Memorial bronze relief in the sunken gardens on Loch Promenade, Douglas. Founder of the RNLI Sir William Hilary lived on the Isle of Man and built the Tower of Refuge in Douglas harbour having seen many ship wrecked on the Conister Rock. Michael’s sculpture captures the drama and sheer physical effort of the crew rowing out to rescue those on the stricken ship St George in 1830. The Tower was built on the site of the wreck two years later.
Maxine Cannon, General Manager Isle of Man Stamps & Coins, said:
‘It is an honour to share the works of renowned artist Michael Sandle RA through this collection of six stamps. The set showcases the achievements of a Royal Academician whose powerful and provoking works are internationally respected and enjoyed. That two of his major public sculptures are here on the Isle of Man is testament to his commitment to the cultural life of the Isle of Man and what his upbringing and early education on the Island meant to him.
‘We are delighted to have been able to showcase the significance of the RNLI as the birthplace of the Isle of Man through this collection. The lifeboat memorial at Douglas is a much-visited and loved statue on the island and reminds us today of the brave sacrifices made throughout the generations by brave volunteers who risk their own lives to save lives at sea.’
Today, the stamp collection will be formally presented to Michael at the Tynwald Building in the presence of the President of Tynwald and members.
Michael Sandle RA, said:
‘I am proud of the fact that I am considered to be a Manx artist too and also feel extraordinarily fortunate to have been surrounded by the shapes, colours and ever-changing light that is special to this Island when I was an emerging young artist, all of which went into my work. Now that I am a very much older and established artist I am extremely proud that the Isle of Man Post Office are issuing six stamps with examples of my work on them.
I feel that this means that I am now thought of as a local boy what done good!'
Sculptures featured include; The Lifeboat Memorial (IOM), The Malta WW2 Siege Memorial, St George and the Dragon, The International Seafarers’ Memorial, The Viking (IOM) and A Twentieth Century War Memorial.
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RNLI media contacts
For more information, please contact Danielle Rush, RNLI Media Relations Manager in Wales and the North West on 07886 668829. Alternatively, please call the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336 789 or email [email protected].
Isle of Man Post Office: Lacey Cullen, Marketing Manager, Isle of Man Post Office
Sales & Marketing
Phone: +44 (0)1624 698 437
Mobile: +44 (0)7624 497 248
Email – Maxine Cannon
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Phone: +44 (0)1624 698 430
Fax: +44 (0)1624 698 434
Email: [email protected]
Office hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm GMT
Tel: 01624 698587 Email: [email protected]
For images of the stamps and additional products, please visit The Isle Of Man Post Office media centre.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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