Isle of Man Post Office (IOMPO) is pleased to celebrate the work of renowned author and screenwriter Nigel Kneale with a collection of stamps, designed by Isle of Man based EJC Design. The set of six stamps will be issued on Tuesday 18th April.
Nigel Kneale was born in 1922 in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria to Manx parents: journalist William Thomas (known to his family as Tom) Kneale and his wife Lilian, née Kewley. The family returned to the Island in 1928 when Nigel’s father became assistant editor on the Isle of Man Examiner. Nigel Kneale is the brother of celebrated Manx artist Bryan Kneale.
Often there was more to Kneale’s stories than met the eye and therefore, each of the six stamps holds a secret which can only be revealed with UV light. Each stamp in the collection tells the story of a significant period in Kneale’s career with a dynamic mix of photographs of Kneale, along with imagery from his eminent works including his Somerset Maugham Award winning Tomato Cain and Other Stories, the Quatermass productions and The Stone Tape which starred Jane Asher.
Jane Asher has also written engaging issue text which will feature in the folder of The Kneale Archives Collection, which contains a commemorative sheetlet, presentation pack and first day cover. Each of these items can also be bought separately and there is also a set and sheet set available.
Jane Asher, actor who appeared in The Quatermass Xperiment and The Stone Tape said, ‘I met Nigel while starring in The Stone Tape in 1972 and found him as charming, clever and perceptive as I’d imagined. As the daughter of an endocrinologist, brought up surrounded by scientific and medical books and enjoying discussions on those themes around the dining table, I appreciated – and still do – the way Nigel in his writing combined scientific principles with fantasy and made us all consider anew what we know of the physical world. I’m sure he would be thrilled to have his achievements reflected in this fantastic set of stamps.’ In appreciation of Jane’s contribution to our stamp issue we have made a donation to the The National Autistic Society for whom she has served as President since 1997.
Tacy and Matthew Kneale, Kneale’s children, said: ‘These stamps are quite beautiful and really celebrate our father’s life, career and Manx heritage - he would have been very proud to see them. We are also pleased that our father’s legacy continues to live on with Manx Museum Kneale Archives, which continues to make his work accessible to all’.
Maxine Cannon, General Manager Isle of Man Stamps & Coins said: “Nigel Kneale’s impact on television and the professionals working in the industry cannot be understated. We are delighted to have been able to have collaborate with Manx National Heritage to bring this collection together and showcase one of the Island’s great talents.”
The collection is issued on Tuesday 18th April and can be viewed and purchased at www.iompost.com/Kneale.