History of wool farming

Wool farming industry

This stamp issue is a quality historical issue, a celebration of the wool industry in the Falkland Islands. Produced from artworks by local artist James Peck the issue comprises five stamps and a First Day Cover.

Sheep on stamps

19p Value depicts a typical hand shears in use to remove the wool from the sheep. 22p Value depicts a long drive or "gather" of sheep. A "gather" could number several thousand sheep with the shepherds on horseback. 45p Value shows the "Big House" at Hill Cove on West Falkland. In the days of large settlements the farm manager would occupy this type of large dwelling. 70p Value "The Early Years" depicts the Victorian dress style shipped to the Islands with settlers, at the end of the 19th century. £1 Value "Wool Collection" depicts the SS Fitzroy, which was used, inter island to collect the wool from the farm settlements.

Sheep farming

Sheep farming continues in the islands today with some 720,000 sheep producing over 2 million kilograms of wool. Falkland Islands wool is highly regarded for its good natural color and superior softness.

Stamps in detail

Issue: Falkland Islands, 30th April 2004
Designer: James Peck
Perforation: 14 per 2 cms
Stamp size: 28.45 x 42.58 mm
Print: BDT International

More information

Postage Stamps 2004
Stamps Falkland Islands
Camber Railway
World War II - Falkland Islands
Maritime Heritage
Brunel's ss Great Britain