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Celebrate the extraordinary career of renowned Manx photographer Leonard McCombe.
Born on the Isle of Man, McCombe’s remarkable journey began in the 1930s and spanned decades of groundbreaking work in both war and peace. This special collection highlights key moments of his photographic legacy, offering a unique glimpse into life on the Isle of Man, during World War II, and across the world.
The eight stamps feature a diverse range of McCombe’s subjects, from intimate portrayals of everyday life on the Isle of Man, such as cobblers and fishermen, to iconic wartime images, including his documentation of the ATA pilots and the aftermath of conflict in Poland. The collection also includes images of internment on the Isle of Man, McCombe’s work with the Navajo Nation, and cowboy life in Texas.
A highlight of this issue is the inclusion of a Prestige Booklet, providing an in-depth look into McCombe’s career. This beautifully designed booklet offers greater insight into his work and the history behind these remarkable photographs, making this collection a must-have for both stamp enthusiasts and photography aficionados alike.
Stamp 1: This image captures a cobbler at work as he resoles a pair of leather boots in his workshop.
Stamp 2: One of Leonard’s first attempts to make a photo book, a wedding on the Isle of Man in 1941.
Stamp 3: Local press requested that Leonard photograph fishermen out of Port Erin harbour. This image was taken aboard a Manx fishing boat in the waters around the Calf of Man in the south of the Island, with Leonard suffering from sea sickness.
Stamp 4: First Officer Maureen Dunlop, one of the ferry pilots of the ATA (Air Transport Auxiliary) who transport newly manufactured aircraft from the factory to the aerodrome during World War II. She is sitting in the cockpit of a new Baracuda, 1944.
Stamp 5: Taken in Poland in the aftermath of WW2, Leonard explains “It was 6:30 a.m. when this picture was taken. This eight year old girl was bringing some water for the horse who lived beside her in the train.”
Stamp 6: The Isle of Man Government requested Leonard photographed internees at Rushen Camp so the imagery could then be sent back to Germany to show how well they were being cared for. This image is of Karl Loehmann, a German national interned on the Isle of Man. Leonard and Karl developed a lifelong friendship. Karl eventually moved to Florida, and they would visit from time to time.
Stamp 7: In 1948, McCombe was charged with documenting the Navajo way of life to provide an accurate record of life on the Navajo Reservation.
Stamp 8: Texan Cowboys in the late spring and summer, busy with the year’s most important job: of rounding up the spring-born calves.
Every effort has been made to trace or contact all copyright holders.
Isle of Man Post Office will be pleased to make good any omissions or rectify any mistakes brought to their attention at the earliest opportunity.
