SUBMITTED PHOTO
Sir Winston Churchill was celebrated in 1974 with an omnibus issue of stamps. Most countries in the world issued stamps to celebrate Churchill.
medhatcsc@live.com
First of all I would like to thank everyone who attended our show on April 6 and to the people who donated items for door prizes. For those of you that missed the show our next one will be on Sept. 21
In a previous column I dealt with an Omnibus Stamp Issue for the anniversary of the Universal Postal Union. An omnibus issue is an issue of stamps by several countries with a common subject and which may share a common design. I mentioned that 2019 is also the 145th anniversary of the birth of one of history’s greatest statesmen – Winston Churchill.
One of my favourite omnibus issues was done in 1974 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Churchill. Pretty well every country in the British Commonwealth and most other countries in the world issued a stamp or series of stamps to honour this world leader.
The Republic of Liberia issued a souvenir sheet of Churchill participating in one of his hobbies – painting. Within the picture of Churchill at his easel lies a most interesting story.
In January of 1950 Churchill went on holiday to the Island of Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal off the northwest coast of Africa. He was staying at Reid’s Palace, a very luxurious hotel in the capital city of Funchal. From there he ventured forth (by chauffeured Rolls Royce of course) to capture some of the island’s charm on canvas.
About seven kilometres west of Funchal lies the fishing community of Camara de Lobos. Churchill set up his easel and canvas near the entrance to the village. A photographer named Raul Perestrelo immortalized the moment and the location is currently known as the Winston Churchill Viewpoint. This famous photograph is the basis for the picture on the stamp of the Liberian commemorative issue.
I am fortunate to have visited Madeira on several occasions and make a point of going to Camara de Lobos. As both an admirer of Churchill and an avid stamp collector, it is especially rewarding to be able to tie both together in a special holiday moment.
The stamps of Sir Winston Churchill issued to commemorate both the anniversary of his birth and the omnibus issue for his death could fill a couple of albums on their own.
Collector’s Corner is contributed by the Medicine Hat Coin & Stamp Club. For questions or comments about coin or stamp collection email medhatcsc@live.com.
