Jersey Shakespeare
Artistic representations of William Shakespeare and his most famous plays are presented on this set of six stamps and Miniature Sheet.
The most influential writer of English literature, William Shakespeare was born in April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England. His actual date of birth remains unknown, but is traditionally observed on 23 April, Saint George’s Day. Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway in 1582 and they had three children. Around 1590 he left his family behind and began a successful career in London as an actor and writer. He also became part-owner of a playing company called The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, later known as The King’s Men, the members of which constructed the Globe Theatre, the first playhouse built by actors for actors, on the south bank of the Thames at Southwark.
Shakespeare’s career bridged the reigns of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I and he was a favourite of both monarchs. Wealthy and renowned, with 37 plays and 154 sonnets to his name, Shakespeare retired to Stratford and died in 1616 at the age of fifty-two. His plays remain highly popular today and are constantly studied, performed and reinterpreted throughout the world.
Source: WOPA Stamps

Released May 1, 2014