The Polish Post Office, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a stamp "Poles to the World"
The Polish Post has introduced a stamp commemorating the renowned architect Józef Gosławski. This latest philatelic item was created in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and launches the "Poles to the World" series. The aim of the Polish diaspora project, implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in which the company has joined, is to popularize knowledge about outstanding Poles whose achievements are recognized and admired beyond their homeland's borders.
The stamp depicts the Baku City Council building designed by Józef Gosławski. This monumental three-story building, with its Baroque and Classicist architectural features, is still considered the finest administrative structure in the capital of Azerbaijan and the most important design by a Polish architect. The inscription "POLSKA" and the face value of 4 złoty are inscribed along the top edge of the stamp, while the series name "Poles to the World" is along the right edge. In addition to the stamp, Poczta Polska issued a limited edition First Day of Circulation (FDC) envelope. It depicts Józef Gosławski surrounded by his family, designed based on one of the few surviving photographs of the famous architect.
" In just 12 years of his career as a city architect in Baku, Józef Gosławski transformed and redefined this city. He was and remains an example of a Pole who created outside of Poland, but was always Polish at heart. I am extremely pleased that the Polish Post has joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' "Poles to the World" program and, continuing the tradition of such master stamp designers as Czesław Słania, is presenting another stamp dedicated to "known-unknown" Poles who created unique works outside of Poland, implemented great undertakings, were pioneers of progress, explorers, but always cherished the memory of Poland and worked for its good, " emphasizes Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk.
Józef Gosławski (1865-1904) was born in Warsaw into a Polish noble family. After completing his studies in St. Petersburg, he was assigned to Baku to build the now-defunct Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. A year later, he was appointed the city's chief architect. From that moment on, Baku's architecture began to develop its own style and expression. Gosławski's creative activity between 1893 and 1900 resulted in the design and construction of 12 buildings that transformed the city's architectural image, including the Baku City Council, depicted on a postage stamp. During his short but intense career, our compatriot established himself as an outstanding architect. Today, Józef Gosławski's works are world-class architectural monuments and are protected by the Azerbaijani government.
" Poland has given the world many outstanding and creative minds. Researchers, scientists, writers, architects, inventors, artists – each of them has made a unique contribution to the world. Many of our compatriots, who are recognized around the world today, are forgotten or know little about. Therefore, joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' initiative, we have launched a new series of stamps dedicated to promoting knowledge about these outstanding individuals. Most of the cases are incredibly interesting and, above all, can be an inspiration for our daily lives and, of course, a source of national pride. The first hero of the series is Józef Gosławski, the first and chief architect of Baku, an outstanding creator of architectural gems and author of over 40 designs. I hope that our latest stamp will find recognition among philatelists, " says Tomasz Zdzikot, President of Poczta Polska SA
Many of our compatriots made great discoveries and created unique works beyond Poland's borders, in various corners of the globe, most often due to exile or forced emigration. The reality of emigration was often difficult and bumpy. Despite this, they achieved international fame through their success in a wide variety of fields. The "Poles to the World" project is a unique and valuable initiative that allows us to revive the memory of outstanding Poles, famous and appreciated worldwide, yet completely unknown or forgotten in Poland.
The project was created thanks to the cooperation of the Polish Post with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Polish diplomatic mission in Baku.
About the stamp:
author of the design: Poczta Polska SA
number of stamps: 1
value: PLN 4.00
circulation: 140,000 pcs
printing technique: rotogravure
stamp format: 54 x 40.5 mm
paper: fluorescent
sales sheet: 35 stamps
date of introduction into circulation: January 31, 2022
This and other philatelic publications of Poczta Polska can be purchased at post offices and in the online store .