Isle of Man Post David Bowie: Actor

ISLE OF MAN POST (IOM) on 12 September 2022 issued a set of eight first day cover stamps showcasing David Bowie's acting career. All eight stamps are arranged in two rows with issue cancellations. The cover features a special contrasting silver metallic ink insert card with the story of 'David Bowie: Actor' by Nicholas Pegg, a renown biographer of David Bowie.

The set of eight stamps were created by multi award winning designer Jonathan Barnbrook. Jonathan was supported by Emma Cooke from EJC design and also Paul Ford.

The collection features images from Bowie's cult movies, a Broadway performance and an appearance on BBC television, including his portrayals as:
- Bernie in 'Everybody Loves Sunshine' (filmed on the Isle of Man in early 1998)

- Jareth the Golbin King in "Labyrinth"
- Major Jack Celliers in "Merry Chrismas, Mr. Lawrence"
- The title role in "Baal"
- John Merrick in the Broadway production of "The Elephant Man"
- Paul Ambrosius von Przygodski in "Just a Gigolo"
- Thomas Jerome Newton in "The Man Who Fell to Earth"

IOM's Maxine Cannon explained the tribute marks "50 years of his remarkably varied career" and "some of his many celebrated personas".

Jonathan Barnbrook, the designer of the collection, worked closely with Bowie on his record covers and had previously designed his post-2002 album releases.

It took IOM six years to secure permissions, the rights from the state of David Bowie before the stamps could be designed, printed and released.

The singer died of cancer at the age of 69 in January 2016.

Source: IOM