2017-07-17 Mon

The Island of Jersey issued a special set of 6 stamps on 10th July, celebrating the invention of the kaleidoscope. The stamp designs also depict flora and fauna of this country in kaleidoscopic patterns.

Jersey Post officials stated that they wanted to showcase the country’s natural beauty in a unique way. They thought of doing so by honouring the Scottish physicist David Brewster who invented kaleidoscope in 1816 and patented it in 1817. 2017 marks the 200th anniversary of his invention! Apart from inventing the kaleidoscope, Brewster was equally passionate about scientific research, religion, philosophy, education, optics, photography, writing, inventions and life on other planets.

A clue is inscribed on every stamp to suggest what has been depicted on them. For example the 49-penny stamp has the text “shells & anemones”, “feathers & eggs” is written on the 63p stamp; “wildflowers” on 73p stamp; “woodlands” on 79p stamp; “mini beasts” (insects and a spider) on 90p stamp; and “marine life” on £1.07 stamp.