THE story of the saint who gave St Helier its name has been brought to life in a new collection of stamps.
British artist Becca Thorne, who specialises in lino print artwork, is behind the new Jersey Post collection, which will be available from 10 August.
Reminiscent of medieval tapestries, the stamps depict key moments in Saint Helier’s life, from his birth and journey to Jersey to his martyrdom and lasting legacy.
The sixth-century religious figure was born in Belgium before moving to Jersey and living in a rock hermitage off the coast, now the site of Elizabeth Castle.
Recognised as bringing Christianity to Jersey, he was martyred in AD 555 by pirates or robbers and is commemorated annually on St Helier Day on 26 July.
Ms Thorne said: “I love the way myth, magic and fact are entwined in the history of the Middle Ages, and the art of the time is a huge influence on my own visual language, so I was really excited to be asked to illustrate this series.”
Jersey Post’s philatelic team said Saint Helier was a “significant figure” whose story reflected Jersey’s “rich heritage and culture”.
Research for the collection was assisted by the library team at the Société Jersiaise.
