The Aran Jumper - International Stamp

Stamp for Ireland - The Aran Jumper

Aran jumpers, named after Galway’s Aran Islands, are an icon of
Irishness – and yet they also link the people of Ireland’s Atlantic
coast to sea-faring communities elsewhere, including Guernsey,
Scotland’s Arran Islands, and Cornwall. Thus, they also speak of
Ireland’s many connections to the outside world.

As made on the Aran Islands, the traditional Aran jumper was
originally knitted in thick, undyed wool that retained its natural
lanolin, rendering it water-resistant – a definite plus for fishermen
in the wild, windy weather of the Atlantic region!

The rugged simplicity of the materials contrasts delightfully with
the complexity of design. For hand-knitters, it can take up to six
weeks to complete a jumper, typically involving more than 60,000
stitches uniting to form intricate cable, diamond, basket, and
honeycomb designs. Originally made for family members, by the
early and mid twentieth century, women in the west of Ireland
were also making them for sale, often transforming their families’
incomes in the process.

As Irish artists and musicians became more prominent
internationally, many proudly wore Aran jumpers to showcase
their heritage. Performers like The Clancy Brothers wore them,
and they were also donned by international stars of stage and
screen, including Grace Kelly, who was of Irish heritage, Steve
McQueen and Marilyn Monroe.

Aran jumpers have adapted to our modern, centrally heated
world, with looser knitting and a less dense texture. Today,
they are usually machine-knitted and are mass produced in
many colours, but they remain emblems of Ireland and
Irishness.

Our stamps honouring the iconic Aran jumpers capture the
complex beauty of their design. With the inclusion of the
knitting needles and a ball of wool, they hint at the incredible
work carried out by the women who, historically, designed
and made them by hand.

Product code 2603W