A new issue of a Polish Post stamp on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of Mikołów
On December 9th of this year, Poczta Polska (Polish Post) unveiled its latest postage stamp from the "Mikołów" issue. This unique philatelic publication is part of the celebration of the 800th anniversary of one of Silesia's oldest cities. The stamp's presentation ceremony took place on December 9th in the Marble Hall of the Silesian Voivodeship Office . The event was held under the patronage of Jarosław Wieczorek, Voivode of Silesia.
The stamp depicts the Neo-Renaissance Town Hall in Mikołów, located on the western side of the Market Square. The FDC envelope design, author of the issue, Adam Kultys, showcases a fragment of the interior of St. Adalbert's Basilica, which features paintings of the Passion of the Christ by Jan Bochenek from 1868, 19th-century stained glass windows from the so-called Kraków School, and a historic organ from 1862, made by Johann Matthias Vinzenz Haas. The date stamp features the historic coat of arms of Mikołów, whose symbolism is reminiscent of old city seals from the 15th to 18th centuries. Each seal features a knight's helmet with a lowered visor and a tuft of feathers.
The official presentation of the stamp was attended by Adam Gawęda, Member of the Polish Parliament; Dorota Tobiszowska, Senator of the Republic of Poland; Jan Chrząszcz, Deputy Voivode of Silesia; and Wiesław Włodek and Robert Dołęga, Vice Presidents of Poczta Polska. The event's numerous guests also included provincial and county councilors (of Mikołów County), city councilors from towns and municipalities in Mikołów County, and representatives of non-governmental organizations.
" For eight centuries, Mikołów participated in the historical transformations that shaped the current image of Upper Silesia. The city became a significant center of religious worship – in 2008, Pope Benedict XVI elevated the Church of St. Adalbert to the rank of minor basilica. Mikołów also hosted the first Polish printing house in Silesia, where Karol Miarka printed "Katolik." The publishing activities of Mikołów printers, which fostered national awareness, and their social activism had a significant impact on the development of Polish associations and the election results in Silesia – in 1922, Mikołów, along with part of Upper Silesia, became part of the Second Polish Republic, " said Izabela Kloc, Member of the European Parliament.
" centuries, Poczta Polska has accompanied Poles through their most important historical moments. We honor national heroes, people who made distinguished contributions to their homeland, but we also commemorate important events that influenced today 's Polish citizens. Undoubtedly, the anniversary of the city's founding is one of the most important moments for the local community. Few towns in Silesia can boast an 800-year history . Witnesses to this history are the monuments of urban architecture, which tell the story of the traditions, commitment, and dedication that generations of Mikołów residents have shown to the development of their small homeland. Our new stamp is a kind of thanks for their hard work. I hope it will appeal to all our customers, " said Vice President Wiesław Włodek.
The issue was initiated by Ms. Izabela Kloc, Member of the European Parliament. The issue was created in cooperation with the City Hall in Mikołów, which provided the materials used in the stamp and date stamp graphics, and the photographs used in the FDC envelope graphics were created by Adam Kultys.
About the stamp:
Designer: Adam Kultys
Number of stamps: 1
Value: PLN 3.90
Circulation: 144,000 pcs.
Printing technique: offset
Stamp format: 43 x 31.25 mm
Paper: fluorescent
Sales sheet: 12 stamps
Date of introduction into circulation: December 9, 2022
