Aug 11 - Gibraltar Stamps Releases Two New Stamp Issues
The Government of Gibraltar and the Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau have issued two sets of stamps commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Alameda Gardens and Gibraltar’s Historical Gates.
200th Anniversary of the Alameda Gardens
The set of five stamps has been prepared in collaboration with the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens team and the illustrations have been specifically commissioned from a renowned UK wildlife artist, Mr Jonathan Pointer.
The Gardens were the brainchild of Lieutenant-Governor General Sir George Don, who planned the Alameda as part of more extensive reforms to improve living conditions on the Rock. Monuments and artefacts around the gardens remind us of their age and the Rock's military and social history. By the end of the 19th Century, the Alameda had developed into a beautiful and well-known garden. The Gibraltar Botanic Gardens were established in 1991 and it now holds thousands of plants from around the world.
The stamp designs depict the main entrance to the Alameda Gardens which is marked by two Russian guns, which were taken during the Crimean War and brought to Gibraltar in 1858. An Aloe pseudorubroviolacea from Arabia, which is one of the many succulent plants in the Botanic Gardens, also features . Another stamp shows the old bridge over The Dell, which affords the prettiest vistas in the Alameda Gardens. The Dell (established in 1842), which is without doubt the most attractive part of the Alameda Gardens, and the General George Augustus Eliott monument, complete the set.
Gibraltar’s Historical Gates
During the Great Siege of Gibraltar, from 1779 to 1783, the Port Sergeant was responsible for locking the gates of the fortress at sunset. The Governor, General George Augustus Eliott, wore the keys of the gates at all other times, and the keys took on significance as a symbol of office.
The stamp designs depict six significant gates: Ragged Staff Gates, Prince Edward's Gate, Landport Gate, Grand Casemates Gates, Old Waterport Gate and South Port Gates which all played an important role guarding the entrances to the City of Gibraltar. The illustrations have been specifically commissioned to a well known local artist Mr Leslie Gaduzo.
Both these sets of stamps have been designed by local graphic artist Stephen Perera.
The stamps are now available for purchase from the Philatelic Shop outside the Main Post Office or online on www.gibraltar-stamps.com
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