The Post Office is issuing a set of stamps to celebrate the life of philanthropist John Ruskin, who played a pivotal role in setting up the Laxey Woollen Mills.

Known as one of the most influential figures in Victorian Britain, he founded the The Guild of St George in 1871.

The Guild provided financial support to convert the Laxey mills from a corn mill into water-powered woollen mill.

For this reason, the mills were initially named in 1881 as the St George’s Woollen Mills.

The mill’s operations would soon included carding, spinning, weaving and dying.

Refitting, including a new water-wheel, cost around £500.

It continues to practise traditional crafting methods today, and is the only working woollen mill in the island.

With assistance from Oxford University’s Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, local designer Emma Cooke of EJC Design created the stamps narrating the life of the writer, artist and philanthropist.

The Ashmolean Museum’s head of publishing and licensing, Declan McCarthy, said: ’Ruskin was a true polymath and genius of his time, and it is warming to know that he continues to be celebrated more than 120 years after his passing. This set of stamps marks the culmination of a number of months of collaboration with both the Isle of Man Post Office and the Guild.

’As Ruskin said: "Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort".’

Laxey Woollen Mills managing director John Wood said: ’John Ruskin, along with Egbert Rydings and the Guild of St George were instrumental in setting up Laxey Woollen Mills in 1881, so we are absolutely delighted and honoured to be featured in this fabulous issue, celebrating the life of John Ruskin.

’One hundred and forty years later Laxey Woollen Mills is still here, continuing to stand by Ruskin principles, producing quality hand-woven cloth and garments on traditional pedal looms using locally grown Manx Loaghtan and other Manx wools.

’We think he would approve.’

Maxine Cannon, the general manager Isle of Man Stamps and Coins, said: ’We would like to thank the staff of the Ashmolean Museum for their assistance in the research and production of this issue, as well as expressing gratitude to the Guild of St George for their contribution.

’But our journey started much closer to home, the day we received the book A Weaver’s Tale: The Life and Times of the Laxey Woollen Industry 1860 - 2010 by local author Sue King.

’We are indebted to her for the wealth of research material within her book, and Manx National Heritage for the supply of images.’

The stamps are available as a set, sheet set, presentation pack (limited to 1,500) and first-day cover (limited to 2,250).

For more information people can visit www.iompost.com/ruskin.