French Polynesia - Societe Islands

Dear everyone: We started a thread about the life of French Polynesian Philatelists & their stamps. Due to culture, language & native tradition in the middle of Pacific Ocean, we have some discoveries to share.

A French Polynesian Philatelist hired 2 French artists to do art painting on his 6 story town house in Papeete. The house owner spend over 300,000 euros for this art project. It was a monumental task, but the owner with a colorful personality was determined to finish. The 2 artists worked everyday while attracting many bystanders. Their art painting received praises from many philatelic clubs & organizations. Upon completion, the colorful Philatelist guard his house so nobody can touch the exterior. In 2016, the Polynesian Postal Office produced a stamp with his building on it.

Photo: This stamp mainly promote the 2016 International Stamp Expo in New York (USA). A huge event at that time. This stamp makes it's debut at the opening ceremony (NY).



We purchased this stamp & stamp sheet through a post office in Tahiti. It was difficult to obtain, but we got lucky. This stamp is beautifully designed with excellent printing. We also love the story behind this stamp. It's quite interesting.

Love & peace,
French Polynesian Stamp Club

I have that stamp; it's one of my faves! Thanks for sharing the original artwork on which it is based.

Helena Hermet is a well known Philatelist in French Polynesia. She's also an Engrave Artist. In 2019, she designed a pair of bird stamps for Polynesian Postal Office. When the stamps were released to the public, Philatelists all over the islands flooded to post office. Several Q&A sessions were set up so the Philatelists can speak to Engrave Artist in person. Her stamps & stamp sheets were also displayed for public viewing.

Photos: Engrave Artist Helena Hermet's name is on the stamp (bottom right). Meeting Engrave Artist is part of building relationship between Philatelists & Postal Office.