A stamp commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Ignacy Łukasiewicz
To mark this year's 200th anniversary of Ignacy Łukasiewicz's birth, the Polish Post issued a commemorative stamp featuring the image of our compatriot, the outstanding inventor. A circulation of 100,000 pieces of this philatelic item was distributed to post offices across the country. On March 15th of this year, a ceremonial presentation of the stamp took place at the headquarters of the Polish Oil and Gas Company (PGNiG).
The Sejm of the Republic of Poland established 2022 as the Year of Józef Ignacy Łukasiewicz (1822-1882), due to his great and extraordinary contributions to the Polish industry and economy, as well as his involvement in the fight for the independence of the Homeland and care for employees.
Ignacy Łukasiewicz was one of Poland's most distinguished scientists and inventors, a pharmacist, patriot, independence activist, social activist, and also a great philanthropist. He also served as a member of the Galician Sejm of the 4th term (1877-1882).
He was born in 1822. From 1852 to 1853, he worked with Jan Zeh on the distillation of crude oil, from which he obtained kerosene. Seeing the great potential of his discovery, he sought ways to use it. Thus, in 1853, he constructed the world's first kerosene lamp, which he made together with Adam Bratkowski.
In 1854, in Bóbrka, in the Subcarpathian region, he established the world's first oil mine, thus launching a major industrial sector. He used the profits from this venture, among other things, to financially support the January Uprising fighters. He also engaged in social activities, providing financial aid to peasants and establishing an insurance institution in Bóbrka – the Fraternal Aid Fund. Ignacy Łukasiewicz also helped organize and finance schools.
For his charitable work, in 1873 he received the title of Papal Chamberlain and was awarded the Order of St. Gregory by Pope Pius IX.
The initiator and partner of issuing a stamp commemorating the life and achievements of Ignacy Łukasiewicz is the Polish Oil and Gas Company.
The PGNiG Foundation also bears the name of Ignacy Łukasiewicz.
It is worth recalling that in 1982 the Polish Post issued a stamp on the occasion of the "100th anniversary of the death of Ignacy Łukasiewicz".
About the stamp:
stamp design author: Poczta Polska SA
photo colorization: Mirosław Szponar
number of stamps: 1
value: PLN 11.50
circulation: 100,000 pcs
printing technique: offset
stamp format: 31.25 x 43 mm
block format: 121 x 82 mm
paper: fluorescent
date of introduction into circulation: March 8, 2022
This and other philatelic publications of Poczta Polska can be purchased at post offices and in the online store .