Gozo boat on cards and stamps exhibited at Xewkija Windmill
Fascinating collection part of 100th anniversary exhibition
A unique philatelic exhibition, The Gozo Boat on cards and stamps, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 1926 Gozo Boat stamp, is on show at Xewkija Windmill. The exhibition features a fascinating collection of historic postcards and stamps that trace the vital role of the Gozo boat in connecting islands, people and messages across generations. From early maritime routes to scenes of everyday island life, the exhibition celebrates Gozo’s rich maritime and postal heritage through the lens of philately.
The 1926 Malta definitive set has a particular Gozitan interest since the 2s6d has the inscription ‘Gozo Boat’. This set was reissued in quick succession… in 1928 and in 1930. The Gozo boat had first appeared on our stamps in 1899 – within the first pictorial set – without any reference to Queen Victoria. However, other appearances of this design – in different colours – were in 1905 and 1911. But the 1926 design is especially attractive because of the reddish border. The design was even an inspiration to the Gozo Philatelic Society logo.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 1926 Gozo Boat stamp, two Gozo Philatelic Society committee members, Anthony Grech and Mark Poulton, put on a display of mint and used examples of Malta stamps showing water transport, including First Day Covers, mostly as produced by the society, at the Xewkija Windmill. The display is on until March 22 between 8.30am and 8pm. Entrance is free.