A photographer from Crosby is experiencing the thrill of seeing his stunning images of the Isle of Man featured on a new series of postage stamps.
Andy North, who first delved into landscape photography back in 2005, describes this honor as "wonderful." His journey began after he purchased a digital camera, sparking a passion that would eventually lead to his work being recognized by Isle of Man Stamps and Coins. As they prepared their inaugural stamp collection for 2026, they chose to highlight Andy's captivating photographs of the island.
At 50 years old, North reflects on his simple yet profound goal: to showcase the breathtaking beauty of the Isle of Man. Initially skeptical about photography—believing it to be unnecessary—he recalls a pivotal moment that changed his perspective. "I traveled all over the world without a camera, and I returned home with only memories of those places," he shared. "When I got back, I felt frustrated that so many people were unaware of the hidden gems of the Isle of Man."
This frustration motivated North to embrace photography as a hobby, leading him to a fulfilling career as an art and design lecturer at University College Isle of Man for 14 years. In May 2025, his dedication reached a new milestone with the release of the "Wild Guide Isle of Man," a comprehensive book featuring over 400 locations for exploration on the island. "It feels like everything has come full circle," he said about the publication. "My ultimate desire is for people to visit these spots and experience their beauty firsthand—it's truly a multi-sensory journey. Now, I often have people approach me in the street to express their gratitude for introducing them to new places."
Eventually, North's book caught the eye of Maxine Cannon, the general manager of Isle of Man Stamps and Coins. She expressed her excitement about collaborating with him, stating, "We are thrilled to partner with Andy on this unique issue. His photography beautifully encapsulates the spirit of adventure and the natural wonders that make our island so remarkable." Cannon emphasized that these stamps serve not only as a tribute to the landscapes but also as an invitation for others to explore them personally.
During a conversation with the BBC, North revealed that he was in the process of using the first stamp from the collection to send out some mail. "It's tough to peel off the first stamp because the booklet looks perfect," he admitted. "But now that the stamps exist in reality, it's an amazing feeling."
This special collection of ten stamps will also incorporate elements of the Manx language, aligning with the celebration of Belin ny Gaelgey, the year dedicated to the Manx Language.
We'd love to hear your thoughts! What do you think about the cultural significance of showcasing local photography on stamps? Are there aspects of the Isle of Man or its heritage that you believe deserve more recognition? Share your opinions in the comments!
