New Issue: The History of Black Butter (Jersey)

Yesterday, Jersey issued a new set of stamps. This one is to celebrate the history of Black Butter.

You might be asking "what is black butter?" Well, that's a good question because I didn't know either.

Fortunately the Brittany Ferries website very helpfully tells us all about it. Black Butter is not butter at all but is "a blend of harvested apples, cider, sugar, spices, liquorice and lemons. The spread can be eaten on toast, with biscuits and even on its own". It comes from a medieval recipe and people in Jersey have been making it - and eating it - for generations. The website tells us that it "plays a key role in maintaining the traditional and rural culture of the island".

The stamps show: apple orchard (80p), ingredients (£1.20), preparation (£1.35), equipment (£1.90), stirring process (£2.30) and serving suggestion (£3.00). There is also a £5 miniature sheet (below), which has no description. All were created by famous artist Chris Wormell, who is well-known for his book illustrations.

Design Quality - I like the artwork here. It is a modern artistic style but it also manages to feel traditional and it helps create the sense of history. The way Chris has used a bold illustrative style makes it feel contemporary - after all, Black Butter is still being made in Jersey and it is something the islanders are proud of. At the same time, the £1.90 and £2.30 stamps give that feeling of being connected to the past. I think the illustrations are really effective and much better than photography would have been. I'm not sure why there is no description on the £5 stamp, which doesn't seem to fit with the others. 8/10

Theme and Subject Choice - At first I thought this might be an unusual thing and an odd choice for a stamp issue. But it seems Black Butter is something enjoyed on Jersey and the tradition is something even the ferry company wants to take pride in so I'd say it is a very good choice for a Jersey issue. Black Butter is a big part of the island's identity. 10/10

Historical and Cultural Relevance - It clearly has very high cultural and historical relevance to Jersey and that is what matters. 10/10

Innovation and Creativity - The artwork is very creative and I think it works really well. The stamps are very distinctive. I wouldn't say they are innovative but I am pleased Jersey Post used a talented artist rather than rely on photographs. 7/10

Collectability - Thematic collectors who specialise in stamps celebrating jams and preserves will be ecstatic! Seriously, these should have appeal to people who are interested in local history or unusual traditions. 6/10

Personal appeal - Overall, I really like them. I'm a fan of the artwork and I think it's great to learn about traditions and celebrate local history. Without these stamps I would never have heard of Black Butter. On the negative side, I don't really think the miniature sheet adds very much and it seems an unnecessary and expensive addition to a really good set. 7/10

Overall score - 48/60