The Isle of Man Post Office is pleased to present a most prestigious stamp issue, inspired by the London 2012 Games.

Designed by respected iconic British designer Sir Paul Smith this very special set of London 2012 stamps is now on sale London 2012 Olympic Games

Isle of Man Stamps and Coins was hugely honoured and thrilled that Sir Paul Smith agreed to design their London 2012 collection of stamps and is certain they will help to ensure the memory of the Games remains in the mind long after the last medal has been awarded. According to Sir Paul, he wanted to make the collection positive and colourful and with a strong graphic style of design – something he has certainly achieved with this iconic collection.

With less than 35 weeks to go till the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, it will be the third time that London has hosted the Games, with the last one being in 1948.

An event of the magnitude of the Games – the greatest show on Earth – attracts leading figures from different areas of expertise and the Isle of Man Post Office is delighted that Sir Paul Smith has clearly demonstrated his passion for sport in his collaboration on this collection. 

A lifelong follower of the World Cycling, Sir Paul Smith was honoured to be asked to design the London 2012 stamp issue by the Isle of Man Post Office. He was also inspired in one of his designs by good friend, Olympic Cyclist and hometown hero to the Isle of Man, Mark Cavendish, MBE.

The issue features, amongst other sports, a Cycling Road Bike design on the miniature sheet which will surely encourage current World Cycling Road Race Champion, Mark Cavendish, on to victory. Some Key dates to watch out for in 2012:

 • 1st January 2012 – London 2012 Stamp Issue Designed by Sir Paul Smith available for Sale.

• 19th May 2012 – The 70-day Olympic Torch Relay will start at Land’s End, Cornwall.

• W/C 17th February 2012 – London fashion week

• 2nd June 2012- Olympic Torch to arrive on the Isle of Man.

• 27th July 2012 – Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

• 28th July 2012 – Olympic Men’s Cycling Road Race

• 12 August 2012 – Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

• 29th August 2012 – Opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympics Games.

Paul Smith’s introduction into fashion was accidental. His ambition was to become a professional racing cyclist until aged seventeen years he was involved in a road accident. Three months in hospital followed and when he came out he knew he wanted to do something creative. With the encouragement from his girlfriend Pauline Denyer (now wife), and a small amount of savings, he opened a tiny shop in Nottingham in 1970. He started to take evening classes, studying tailoring and by 1976 Paul had shown his first menswear collection in Paris. Today there are fourteen collections including ready-to-wear for men and women, accessories, shoes and junior. Paul Smith has seventeen shops in the UK and sells to sixty six countries in the rest of the world with shops in Paris, Milan, New York, Hong Kong, Korea, Kuwait, U.A.E. and Japan. Paul continues to be an integral part of the company; he is both designer and chairman and is continually involved in every aspect of the business.

Source: WOPA

published January 11th, 2012