01 July 2016
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The six Einstein/Hawking stamps
Isle of Man Post Office has issued a set of six stamps to mark 100 years of Professor Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity and the work of theoretical physicist Professor Stephen Hawking.
Isle of Man Post Office has issued a set of six stamps to mark 100 years of Professor Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity and the work of theoretical physicist Professor Stephen Hawking.
The stamps have been personally endorsed and approved by Professor Stephen Hawking together with support from The Stephen Hawking Foundation.
The Isle of Man played host to Professor Hawking back in August 2012. Whilst on the Island, he went on the steam train, arriving in Port Erin where he joined in with the 'Island at War' celebrations.
Professor Hawking is arguably the most brilliant theoretical physicist since Albert Einstein and certainly the most famous scientist of modern times.
This stamp issue contains six images showcasing the works of Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking and the supporting material contains text prepared by Cambridge University experts and Professor Hawking.
Each stamp uses a rare iridescent foil printing technique on the words 'Isle' and 'Man' and the Queen's head along with warm earthy colours to create a scientific and atmospheric look and feel to the collection.
• The first stamp image is of Einstein with his equation E=MC2, the theory of relativity.
• The second stamp image features Professor Stephen Hawking and his entropy of blackhole equation, S=¼A.
• The third stamp depicts an illustration of gravitational waves powered by two colliding black holes.
• The fourth stamp is an illustration of Hawking Radiation which is produced by black holes.
• The fifth stamp features an illustration of two black holes colliding.
• The sixth stamp features an illustration of a black hole showing how it is bent to form a bottomless pit that matter can fall into but not escape from.
Stephen Hawking said:
'I am honoured to have both my face and life’s work featured alongside Albert Einstein and the commemoration of 100 years since the publication of his theory of general relativity.
'This limited edition collection of six stamps, created in collaboration with the Isle of Man Post Office and Glazier Design, displays some of the equations over the past century that have led to significant scientific discoveries and, in turn, have had a profound impact on the world.
'Much of my life’s work has been to encourage young people in the study of cosmology and astrophysics and to help inspire them to better understand our universe and beyond. I hope that this unique set of stamps goes some way towards achieving this.'
Maxine Cannon, Isle of Man Stamps & Coins General Manager said:
'Isle of Man Post Office is extremely humbled and proud to have been chosen by Professor Stephen Hawking to celebrate his life's work through our stamp issue that marks 100 years of general relativity including the works of Einstein. However none of this would have been possible without the foresight of Ben Glazier and his team, Elizabeth Forrester of the Stephen Hawking Foundation, Greenlight who represent the personality rights of Albert Einstein and all my team at Isle of Man Post Office.
The Isle of Man Post Office will do everything it can to ensure the stamps are known and appreciated worldwide and that they act as an inspiration for all who see them, to explore our world further.'
Find out more about the stamps at: www.iomstamps.com
Stamp details
Issue date: 1 July 2016
Design: Glazier Design
Printer: Cartor, Offset Lithography with foil
Perforations: 14
Stamp size: 40 x 40mm
No. of Stamps: 6
Format: 10 stamps per sheet
