Jersey’s markets celebrated with new stamps

Jersey’s traditional markets are the subject of a set of stamps and a miniature sheet to be issued by Jersey Post on 21 March 2023. Jersey illustrator Lauren Radley has brought to life representations of six of the traditional stalls found in Jersey’s Central and Beresford Street markets, perfectly capturing the lively atmosphere and range of colourful, local produce.

Jersey’s Central Market and Beresford Street Market are found just a short walk from each other in the town of St. Helier and have been home to Island vendors since the 1800s. Jersey’s Central Market is an outstanding example of a Victorian open market and was built as part of the States of Jersey’s Battle of Jersey centenary celebration. Construction started in 1881 and took two years to complete. The Beresford Street Market is located opposite Jersey’s Central Market and is better known as ‘The Fish Market’. Covering around 10,000 square feet, the market was built in 1841 and restored in 1873, 1936 and again in 1972.

Featured across the six stamps are a fishmonger, a florist, a fruit & veg stall, a bakery, a delicatessen and a butcher. The 98p ‘Fruit & Veg’ stall stamp carries the logo of SEPAC, the Small European Postal Administration Cooperations, and forms part of a joint stamp issue, also entitled ‘Traditional Markets’. The miniature sheet features the iconic cherub-clad fountain which is the focal point of the Central Market.

Stamp artist Lauren Radley says of the project: “I loved working on this set of stamps; the Central Market is such a colourful, vibrant place and I have always wanted to create some work around it, so when I was asked to illustrate these stamps I was so pleased to be able to finally have the opportunity to produce something! I loved the ‘research’ part of this project; spending time in the markets, chatting to the different stall holders, and taking photographs of them and their produce. I really wanted to capture the personality and diversity, not only of the produce on sale, but of the characters working, and shopping there too, and I hope that this collection conveys the fun and bustling atmosphere of our markets.”

Jersey based artist Lauren Radley graduated from Kingston university in 2009 with a BA (Hons) in Illustration and Animation. Having worked as a freelance illustrator for over ten years, Lauren also runs a business creating fun and whimsical prints and stationery.

​Jersey Post’s Traditional Markets stamps will be available to buy from all branches of Jersey Post from 21 March 2023. Philatelic stamp products such as miniature sheets, first day covers and presentation packs will be available from the Jersey post offices at Broad Street, St Helier and Rue Des Pres, St Saviour and can be ordered now at www.jerseystamps.com or by telephoning the Jersey Philatelic Bureau on: 00 44 (0)1534 616717.