JERSEY Post has celebrated 150 years of Corbière Lighthouse with an issue of six stamps featuring key moments in the landmark’s construction.
The lighthouse has helped seafarers to safely navigate local waters since it was first lit on 24 April 1874.
Jersey Post’s latest stamp issue entitled SEPAC Iconic Tourist Destination: 150 Years of La Corbière Lighthouse: First Lit 1874 tells the story of how the lighthouse was built and has been released today to coincide with the first lighting.
The artwork, which is inspired by the original engineers’ drawings of the lighthouse, is by Norwegian engraving artist Martin Mörck.
The six stamps include depictions of the occasion when the masters of steamers and sailing vessels in 1865 petitioned for the lighthouse to be built; when world-renowned engineer Sir John Coode wrote a document entitled La Corbière Lighthouse Jersey Specifications in March 1873; and when executive engineer for the States’ La Corbière project Imrie Bell worked to overcome construction difficulties.
Matt Thomas, chief executive of Ports of Jersey, which manages the lighthouse, said: “We look forward to celebrating this special birthday with Jersey Post’s exclusive issue of stamps.”
Jersey Post Group chief executive Mark Siviter said: “The stamp team has loved researching the story and creating an issue that illustrates the origins of the lighthouse, which is much loved by locals and visitors alike.”
A number of events are taking place to mark the milestone, including the unveiling of a plaque by the Lieutenant-Governor, Vice-Admiral Jerry Kyd.
The lighthouse has also been floodlit in gold and tours have taken place.
The stamps can be bought from Jersey Post offices on Broad Street and Rue des Prés. They can also be ordered at jerseystamps.com or by phoning 616717.
