Stamp collectors around the world have cast their votes. In Åland Post’s annual vote on alandstamps.com, the issue Treasures of the sea by Swedish artist Bo Lundwall has been named Åland’s most beautiful stamp issue of 2025. It’s the artist’s fourth victory in this competition.
At his home in Hultsfred, Sweden, Bo Lundwall received flowers and a diploma to celebrate the win.
“I was delighted to receive the news that collectors appreciate my stamp designs. This recognition inspires me in my artistic work,” says Bo.
The issue Treasures of the sea consists of four franking labels, issued on 3 February 2025. They depict four species found in Åland waters: bladderwrack, blue mussel, three-spined stickleback and jellyfish.
For Bo, known for his lifelike paintings of animals and nature, the project presented a new challenge. He explains: “I gained fascinating insight into species I had not worked with very much before. Portraying the four species was a challenge, not least because they live beneath the water’s surface in an environment that I’m less familiar with. They are also not easy to study in their natural habitat. Working on these stamps was both educational and rewarding, and perhaps there will be more marine motifs in the future.”
The vote is a valued tradition since 1995, and the collectors’ engagement provides valuable feedback on our motifs.
“The sea is always present in Åland, and beneath the water surface a fascinating world of life is hidden. Bo Lundwall’s art has a distinctive quality that feels both vivid and scientifically accurate, which is clearly reflected in the result”, says Johanna Finne, Head of Stamps at Åland Post Stamps.
Over the years, Bo Lundwall’s Åland stamps have become favourites among Åland collectors. In addition to this year’s win, he also won in 2023 with Parrot crossbill, in 2019 with the ATM series woodpeckers and in 2013 with the stamp booklet Loons and grebes.
Second place went to Dove of Peace, designed by Iris Hämmerle. The motif was issued on 19 September and was part of an international peace project.
Third place was awarded to the issue Magical island by illustrator Amanda Chanfreau, issued on 19 March. The stamp is part of the Open edition series, in which an artist is invited to create a personal Åland motif.
Please note: the franking labels Treasures of the sea have been discontinued, and the stamp Dove of Peace is sold out. Philatelic items from the issues still available for sale are the maximum card Treasures of the sea and the first day cover for Dove of Peace.