By 1964, and at the express invitation of the Ruler, HH Shaikh Isa, Lewis began his designs for Bahrain’s first original and definitive stamps.
Until then, British stamps overprinted with a country’s name, was common practice in all colonies and dependencies. But at this time many small countries with few economic assets, jumped on the lucrative band wagon of producing issue after issue of highly decorative and attractive stamps. First day covers were aimed at international collectors as a legitimate source of national revenue.
This was obviously on the mind of Ricky Thorpe the Postmaster General as seen by a revealing paragraph in his letter to Lewis, dated … ………..,.
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The Postal Directorate felt an edition depicting aspects of Bahrain’s industrial development, such as the new airport at Muharraq, and the modern port of Mina Sulman would suffice.
But Lewis saw this commission as an opportunity to showcase Bahrain to the world. He agreed that the modern subject matter be dedicated to the lower denominations and designed them accordingly. But Lewis insisted he personally choose the subjects for the higher denomination stamps.
Insisting each should depict an aspect of Bahrain’s national character, culminating in the distinctive One Dinar stamp. Still immediately recognised by stamp collectors around the world.
The Pearl Diver
The economic importance of pearl fishing cannot be overstated. It was the basis of the island's wealth for centuries. Archeological evidence shows Gulf pearls were traded with Mesopotamia c500 BC. And Gulf pearls were the most prized jewels of all European courts from the 1500s onwards.
Early on, Bahrain became the centre of pearl trading with merchants from Italy to Samarkand plying their trade here.
The Arab navigator, Ahmad Bin Majid, visited Bahrain in 1489 prior to the Portuguese' arrival in the region and gave an account of the country: "In Awal (Bahrain) there are 360 villages and fresh water can be found in a number of places. A most wonderful al-Qasasir, where a man can dive into the salt sea with a skin and can fill it with fresh water while he is
submerged in the salt water. Around Bahrain are pearl fisheries and a number of islands all of which have pearl fisheries and connected with this trade are 1,000 ships" (Majid, Arab Navigation in the Indian Ocean before the Coming of the Portuguese. Trans.
G.R. Tibbetts. The Royal Asisatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland, 1981. page 222).
By the late 1920s more than 2,000 pearling boats operated from Bahrain.
But the industry fell into sharp decline with the development of Japanese cultured pearls in the mid 1930s.
Arabic Coffee
The pouring of a cup of Arabic coffee to welcome your guest, has long been recognised as a symbol of hospitality. This national characteristic is one Bahrain can be proud of. It is interesting to note that the coffe pot
in this stamp is the same one that can be seen in the crafts of Bahrain. month, showing the coffee pot maker.
This beautiful, ornate, brass coffee pot was given to Lewis by his highness, Shaikh, Salman bin Hamed Al Khalifa in 1959, whilst painting his official portrait. It is a coffee pot that will re-occur many times during Lewis’ life’s work and is still a treasured family possession.
Falconry and the Horse
Through the centuries, Arabia was famous for its prized Arabian horses. And the skill of the Arab rider is legendary. These regional traditions were upheld in Bahrain, and considered an integral part of the Island’s culture. In recognition of his love of Falconry, His Highness Shaikh isabinsulmanalkhalifa chose to be painted with his favourite falcon in his first official portrait painted by Lewis.
The accoutrements depicted both in this portrait, and seen again in the Equestrian and Falconry Stamp; the stand, arm protector and leather mask, were given to Lewis by HH Shaikh Isa and still belong to the family.
The new, young Ruler continued his father’s weekly tradition of horse racing every Friday, at the racecourse situated between Riffaa and Awali. An event Lewis and his family attended every week for many years. Eventually the old racecourse was superceded by the magnificent grass-laid courses built at Sakhiyya and Riffaa where international events are held today. Further testament to the importance of equestrian sports in Bahrain’s cultural life.
The One Dinar Stamp
This can be seen as a …….. of all that made Bahrain special in the eyes of the artist. Here the Bab Al Bahrain (The Gateway of Bahrain) is seen, for decades the main port of Manama.