On 13 November 2025, the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) announced the release of a new stamp series celebrating the cultural heritage of South Georgia.
Two hundred and fifty years ago, Captain James Cook landed at Possession Bay and took possession of the island in the name of King George III and his heirs. This anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate South Georgia’s remarkable transformation: from a once little-known and scarcely valued island into a thriving British Overseas Territory, now internationally recognised for its commitment to science, conservation, and sustainable management. Each anniversary stamp issue focuses on a distinct theme, highlighting both the history and the future of South Georgia.
This fourth issue is designed as a definitive series and places the island’s cultural heritage at its centre. It illustrates how, over the course of 250 years, people have lived, worked, and interacted with South Georgia’s challenging landscape.
Government
In 1775, James Cook formally claimed South Georgia for Great Britain. With the issuing of the Letters Patent in 1843, uninterrupted British sovereignty and administration began. During the 19th century, South Georgia was administered as a dependency of the Falkland Islands until, in 1985, the territory gained its own administration with the establishment of the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. Today, the centre of government activity is located at King Edward Point, where a permanent governmental presence oversees activities on the islands—from fisheries and tourism to environmental protection.
Industry
Despite the predominance of pristine nature today, traces of past industry remain clearly visible on South Georgia. In particular, the shore-based whaling stations bear witness to a period of intensive resource exploitation. These stations were once vibrant hubs, complete with processing facilities, accommodation, canteens, kitchens, gardens, as well as boatyards and repair workshops—everything required to sustain an industry in the harsh Southern Ocean. The ship propellers lying on the beach at Stromness are striking reminders of this industrial past.
Field Science
As a unique natural laboratory for seabirds and marine mammals, South Georgia has attracted scientists from around the world for decades. Many research data can only be collected directly on site, and some long-term studies of population dynamics have been running for more than 30 years. While modern remote-sensing techniques now facilitate wildlife monitoring, fieldwork and the collection of physical samples remain indispensable, particularly for studying diet and breeding success. The field hut on the Greene Peninsula exemplifies this work: a small shelter with two bunks and a simple kitchenette.
Worship
During the whaling era, the coastal stations were largely self-sufficient—spiritually as well as materially. The church at Grytviken, built in 1913 by Norwegian whalers, played a central role in community life. Many significant services were held there, including the funeral service for Sir Ernest Shackleton. Today, the church belongs to the Diocese of the Falkland Islands and continues to serve as a place of remembrance and for occasional weddings.
Endeavour
Life on the remote island has always demanded great effort, endurance, and ingenuity. Tasks that were taken for granted elsewhere posed particular challenges on South Georgia. The small, weather-beaten hut at Jason Harbour stands as a testament to this determination: built in 1911 as a refuge, it also served as a post office for the stations in Stromness Bay and provided an important link of communication with the outside world.
Exploration
The name Sir Ernest Shackleton is inseparably linked with South Georgia. He became famous for his heroic crossing of the island to seek help for the crew of the Endurance, stranded on Elephant Island. At his wife’s request, Shackleton was laid to rest in the cemetery at Grytviken. The spirit of exploration lives on to this day: among the most notable ventures was the Combined Services Expedition of 1964/65, which retraced Shackleton’s route and achieved the first ascent of the island’s highest peak, Mount Paget. Even today, a small number of mountaineers continue to venture into the rugged and inaccessible interior of the island.
The stamps from this issue are available to collectors and interested buyers via www.falklandstamps.com, and to business customers via https://iomstamps.com.
Heiner Kubny, PolarJournal