The Man at the Wheel

The statue ‘The man at the wheel’ is the oldest outdoor piece of art in Mariehamn. Åland Post issued an engraved stamp featuring the well-known statue. The stamp was issued on 26.4.2012. Most stamps issued by Åland have been about maritime subjects and sea-faring activities. How much importance is given to the man at sea is aptly illustrated by the stamp on this FDC, namely The Man at the Wheel. This statue was raised in 1936 in honour of those seamen who perished at sea. Gazing towards the sea with a stern look of determination, this seaman at the wheel represents and pays homage to the maritime history of Åland.

The PhilaMirror said in its issue of 3.5.2012 that the monument ‘The man at the wheel’ was unveiled in the Western Harbour of Mariehamn on July 31, 1936. First erected in the English Park, the statue was moved in the mid-1950s, because the Midsummer celebrations were considered to dishonour the statue. Today, it stands near the Maritime Museum and, every year, many people visit the statue to pay their respects on All Saints’ Day. Unique graphic sheet A unique graphic sheet of the issue ‘The Man at the Wheel’ has also been produced. Printed in a limited edition of only 300, each sheet is individually numbered and signed by engraver Lars Sjööblom. The printing was done by hand, sheet by sheet, in a hand printing press and on paper of very high quality, specifically designed for the printing of exclusive prints. My friend Ella gave me this nice FDC.