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The Royal Mail is set to release a commemorative stamp collection marking the 170th anniversary of the Met Office. The eight unique stamps showcase the evolution of weather forecasting in the United Kingdom, blending elements of history, science, and future advancements.
These stamps capture significant moments in the history of weather forecasting, illustrating how this vital aspect of daily life has evolved over two centuries. Among the featured illustrations are scenes from the Terra Nova Expedition to Antarctica, the establishment of the Shipping Forecast in 1924, and the role of weather forecasting in pivotal military operations like D-Day.
The collection also pays tribute to notable figures in meteorology, such as Luke Howard, who pioneered cloud classification in 1803, and Robert FitzRoy, the founder of what is now the Met Office, known for his storm barometer dating back to 1854.
One of the stamps commemorates Barbara Edwards, the first British female TV weather presenter, who broke new ground in meteorology and inspired future generations.
These stamps serve as a testament to the Met Office’s role in the UK’s history, ensuring the safety and well-being of the nation by providing critical weather information. They reflect the enduring British fascination with the weather, a topic of conversation across all walks of life.
David Gold, Royal Mail’s director of external affairs and policy, commented, “The British love to talk about the weather. It is a national obsession. Whether we are fishermen heading out to sea, farmers planning the harvest, or staycationers worried about losing our tent to the winds, people of all ages want to know whether it will be sunny or wet, hot or cold. These stamps celebrate the people and the science behind the weather forecast.
Professor Penny Endersby, chief executive of the Met Office, expressed pride in the organization’s role in British history, emphasizing their continuous efforts to keep people safe and informed. She noted how the stamps beautifully illustrate the Met Office’s evolution from its pioneering origins to modern technical innovations.
Claire Martin, niece of Barbara Edwards and former Canadian weather presenter, celebrated her aunt’s legacy as a trailblazer for women in the field of broadcast meteorology, emphasizing the importance of recognizing her contributions.
The collaboration between Royal Mail and the Met Office involved the careful selection of images from their archives to create this special stamp collection. These stamps will be available for purchase starting February 1, 2024, allowing weather enthusiasts and stamp collectors alike to celebrate the Met Office’s remarkable 170-year journey in the service of the United Kingdom.
