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From curling up in an armchair to reread Mary Shelley’s Gothic novel Frankenstein to helping ‘Trinity tractor man’ Rob and his wife, Linda, to collect eggs from their garden, Rachel MacKenzie's job is certainly varied.
Indeed, so diverse are these activities that it is difficult to imagine a role which would take its holder from farmyard to library – possibly with a trip to Jersey Zoo or a castle in-between – before seeing them return to their desk to write up copious notes from their visits, as Emily Moore found out…
"It is such a varied and interesting job – I didn't even know that such a role existed until I was given the job description," Rachel explained of her job as Jersey Post’s Philatelic Marketing Manager.
Having joined the organisation as its Philatelic Marketing Executive in April 2014, Yorkshire-born Rachel admits that, prior to taking up the position, her knowledge of stamps was somewhat limited.
"I didn't know anything about philately, but I love a challenge and I love to learn, and as soon as I met the team, I was sold," she said. "They are all so passionate about what they are doing, and there is so much creativity and innovation that goes into each set of stamps that it's impossible not to be swept up in that passion and enthusiasm."
Pictured: "As soon as I met the team, I was sold. They are all so passionate about what they are doing."
Having graduated from the University of York with a degree in English literature, Rachel's first "proper job" was promoting her home city.
"I worked for Visit York where I was responsible for producing all the visitor publications and wedding and Christmas guides," she said. "It was a great job, as York is such a beautiful place that it's easy to promote."
Despite enjoying her work, Rachel found her thoughts regularly straying to an island "which she knew very little about" but which was home to a friend she had met during her time at university.
"I met Alex, now my husband, while we were both studying at York and we stayed in touch after we had graduated," she explained. "He lived in Jersey so, in 2010, I took the plunge and moved here."
After the "obligatory two-year stint in the finance industry", Rachel joined Orchid Communications, a role which she says "gave her a really good feel for the island".
"Because I was working with lots of clients in different industries, I gained a good insight into several aspects of island life," she said.
It was while she was "finding her place" in her newly adopted home that the opportunity to join Jersey Post arose.
"The chance to be involved in something that was so visually key to the island's identity really appealed to me," she said. "It was another opportunity to learn more about Jersey, its history and its culture."
Pictured: It was while Rachel was "finding her place" in her newly adopted home that the opportunity to join Jersey Post arose.
As the mother of Joshua (5) and Toby (nearly 2) reflects, there have been no shortage of learning opportunities over the past nine years.
"We tend to release around 15 stamp issues each year and each one involves a tremendous amount of research before we finalise the concepts and brief the artists and designers," Rachel said.
"That research is fascinating, as you spend a lot of time going out and meeting the local experts on each subject. Depending on the theme of the collection, I could be at a Jersey Heritage site, Jersey Archive, the Zoo – or in the 'Trinity tractor man's' garden."
Smiling as she recalls that visit, Rachel explains that she was researching the 'Tractors Working in Jersey' collection, which was released in April 2022.
"Because we plan many of the collections a year or two in advance, I was working on this one during the pandemic, when there were several restrictions in place," she explained.
"To be honest, I've never been particularly interested in tractors but when I visited Rob's garages and saw not only the beautiful vehicles but also his enthusiasm for them, I was instantly captivated.
"I took Joshua with me, as we had arranged to meet outside, and not only did Rob share his wealth of knowledge with me but he also let Joshua sit on one of the tractors and help to collect the eggs from the garden. It was a really memorable day and a lovely project to work on."
While each set of stamps has a distinct style and identity, Rachel says that certain themes do recur, albeit in different formats.
"We know that there are certain subjects which are particularly popular among collectors, and vehicles is one of those," she explained. "In addition to the tractors collection, we have recently released 'A History of Jersey's Emergency Services Vehicles', for which we worked with world-renowned Norwegian stamp artist Martin Mörck, as well as Jersey Archive, Pallot Steam Museum and the Jersey Fire and Rescue Service, all of whom were tremendously helpful."
Pictured: Jersey Post recently released a set of stamps called 'A History of Jersey's Emergency Services Vehicles'.
As well as picking themes which are likely to appeal to stamp collectors around the world, the team likes to celebrate noteworthy anniversaries and Jersey in its releases.
"Getting Jersey into the designs is something we do whenever possible as we are really keen to showcase the island, its history, heritage and culture through the stamps," said Rachel. "This is really important as stamps are a way for people to explore the world, and we have collectors across the globe for whom these designs are a window into the island."
Once a concept has been agreed by the philatelic team – which consists of Rachel, Design and Production Manager Chris Elligott and Research and Marketing Executive Rebekah Matheson – and briefed into the artist, the final designs embark on a long journey before going to print.
"All the final designs go to Chris in the first instance and he creates the end artwork, making sure that the King's cypher and tariffs are in the right place and that the stamp complies with all formal requirements," Rachel explained.
Pictured: Design and Production Manager Chris Elligott makes sure that the stamp design complies with all formal requirements.
"Once that is done, we put together a presentation which includes the title of the stamp issue, its proposed release date and the designs, together with a letter detailing the concept, the reason for the issue and the content of each stamp. This is sent firstly to the Bailiff's Office, then to the Lieutenant-Governor's office and, finally, to the Ministry of Justice for approval by the King."
While every issue has obtained the necessary royal approval, Rachel admits that she was slightly apprehensive when the team submitted its 2018 Frankenstein designs.
"I really enjoyed working on that issue," she smiled. "As a fan of literature, it was a theme which really appealed, and it was great to read the book again and work on the visual interpretation of Frankenstein's monster.
"It was also a really innovative design, as, in addition to the stamps, we produced a lenticular miniature sheet which really brought everything to life. As you tilted the sheet, the picture moved, so it was as if the monster had come to life and the electricity was shooting around the laboratory.
"When we pitched the concept to the agency, So Design, we said, 'It might sound crazy but do you think it can be done?' It was a really striking design, but I was nervous when it was submitted for royal approval as I wondered whether it would be deemed too dark."
The Frankenstein issue is not the only release for which the team has "done something a bit different".
Pictured: The philatelic team is made up of Rachel, Design and Production Manager Chris Elligott, and Research and Marketing Executive Rebekah Matheson.
"Over the years, we've printed stamps on silk and wood, we've produced hologram stamps, and, for our celebration of the Jersey Beekeepers' Association, we created stamps which smelt like honey," she said. "We've also made thermal stamps, which change colour when you put your finger on them. But we're careful not use these effects too often as we want them to make a real impact when we do."
While coming up with 15 new designs each year may sound somewhat challenging, Rachel says that the team is never short of inspiration.
"Everybody says it must be difficult to think of so many ideas, but we find that there is a wealth of material to draw on from local and national anniversaries to significant events such as the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and the King's Coronation," she said.
"There are also two collections each year for which the theme is set for us. One of these is the Europa stamp issue, for which the theme is determined by PostEurop, a trade organisation which represents European postal operators. Last year's topic was myths and legends, while this year's was peace.
"We worked with local artist Ron Mills for this submission, which he based on the three ideals of love, unity and hope represented by the hand of a man, woman and child, blended to create the shape of a dove."
Pictured: The team draws on inspiration from local and national anniversaries such as the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
The second set theme comes from the Small European Postal Administration Co-operation, which is a working group of small postal operations who meet annually to talk about trends and initiatives in philately.
"This is a lovely group, which really focuses on how we can keep the hobby of philately alive," Rachel explained. "SEPAC's theme this year was traditional markets, and we worked with another local artist, Lauren Radley, who produced a really colourful and lively representation of local market stalls, featuring a range of Jersey produce such as seafood, cabbage loaves and Jersey Royals."
Jersey Royals and cabbage loaves also featured in another collection – the 'Jersey Food and Drink' set, designed by Ian Rolls and issued in May 2022.
"Many islanders will be familiar with Ian's style of work and his paintings of local buildings and landmarks, and we thought it would be fun to see him take on a different subject matter," said Rachel. "This was a really nice issue, which highlighted another key aspect of Jersey's culture and traditions."
Pictured: The team has to come up with 15 new designs each year.
With tradition in mind, Rachel admits that one of her favourite issues each year is the Christmas collection.
"I'm a real fan of Christmas, so I always love working on this edition," she smiled.
"A few years ago, we went down quite a nostalgic route and produced a beautiful set of traditional images, working with an artist who had previously illustrated Ladybird books. That was a really special set for me to be involved with."
Although future collections are closely guarded secrets, Rachel says that releases this year will celebrate the King's Coronation, while this summer will also see some "fun issues showcasing local organisations".
Pictured: Future stamp collections are closely guarded secrets.
While each collection will look very different, Rachel says the one thing they all have in common is their artistry.
"The beauty of stamps is that they truly are tiny works of art and, if you collect them, you build up a miniature art gallery," she said.
"Until I joined Jersey Post, I didn't fully appreciate the beauty of each piece of artwork. As well as fulfilling an operational role, these stamps truly do give people a unique insight into this beautiful island."
This article first appeared in the June edition of Connect Magazine – read the digital edition in full below...
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