Created in collaboration with Manx artist Juan Moore and Professor R. Andrew McDonald, this set of stamps depicts six pivotal moments in Manx history under the medieval rulers of Mann. Vibrant and atmospheric artwork has been supplied by Juan Moore, who has worked alongside Professor R. Andrew McDonald, a leading expert and author of The Sea Kings: The Late Norse Kingdoms of Man and the Isles, c. 1066-1275 to produce this standout collection.
In the High Middle Ages, the Isle of Man and the Hebridean islands off the west coast of Scotland were forged into remarkable maritime realms known as the Kingdoms of Man and the Isles. At their greatest extent, these kingdoms stretched from the Calf of Man to the Butt of Lewis.
For about two centuries, between the late 1070s and the mid-1260s, the rulers of these kingdoms – the Manx and Hebridean sea kings descended from Godred Crovan – dominated the seaways with their galley fleets, earning international reputations as both ferocious, Viking-like warlords as well as pious Christian princes as they interacted with an array of powers around the shores of the Irish Sea and further afield from Norway to Rome.
The exploits of the sea kings are recorded in the medieval Chronicles of the Kings of Man and the Isles, as well as other contemporary texts and documents. In contrast to their medieval stature, the story of the medieval sea kingdoms and their rulers has almost vanished from modern memory, relegating these once-dynamic realms to the status of modern-day lost or forgotten kingdoms.
This period of Manx history has been brought to life through six atmospheric artworks by Manx artist Juan Moore, who stated: “I’ve always been fascinated by Vikings and their connection to the Isle of Man. It has been a real joy and privilege to work on these stamps. I really wanted to do something a bit different in terms of style. Creating contemporary and moody pieces, which I’m pretty happy with.”
Issue text and research is supplied by R. Andrew McDonald, Professor of History at Brock University in Canada. He has a longstanding interest in Medieval Manx history. His passion for the history of the region is matched by his enthusiasm for exploring historical sites, and he and his family are frequent visitors to the Isle of Man.
Professor R. Andrew McDonald commented: “Promoting Medieval Manx history is something I’m very passionate about, and I am honoured, especially as someone from outside the Isle of Man (I’m Canadian!), to have been asked to collaborate on this exciting stamp issue. It has been inspiring to see Juan Moore’s evocative artwork bring the period to life.”
Maxine Cannon, General Manager of Stamps and Coins at Isle of Man Post Office, also shared her thoughts on the issue, stating: “We are pleased to mark this fascinating period of Manx history that continues to have a profound effect on our Island’s culture, language, and governance. Both Professor R. Andrew McDonald and Juan Moore have worked together to create this landmark collection of stamps. The fourth stamp from this set will serve as the Island’s entry to the PostEurop Europa stamp competition and we hope this issue will be enjoyed by locals and collectors alike. ”
The new stamp collection will be issued on 8th April 2025 and includes a Set, First Day Cover, Presentation Pack, Europa Cover and Europa Stamp Sheetlet.
