Omniva issues a commemorative stamp to mark the 100th anniversary of Heljo Mänd
On 11 February, Omniva will issue a new postage stamp in its popular “Great Estonians” series, honouring the 100th anniversary of the birth of beloved children’s writer and poet Heljo Mänd. The commemorative stamp pays tribute to an author whose work has shaped the childhood of several generations and left a lasting mark on Estonian cultural history. The stamp was designed by Triin Heinmann.
Heljo Mänd was born in 1926 in Narva, spent some of her childhood years in Võru and grew up in Tallinn, where she spent most of her creative life. Her books and poems have often been children’s first encounter with reading and storytelling, and they remain part of the golden canon of Estonian children’s literature.
“Heljo Mänd’s work has been many people’s first connection to reading and listening to stories. The new stamp is a tribute to that enduring impact,” said Hannes Nagel, Head of Philately at Omniva.
The stamp features a portrait of Heljo Mänd and incorporates elements from her well-known work Karu-Aabits. The design by artist Triin Heinmann brings together the author’s personality and recognisable motifs from her work into a cohesive visual whole.
To mark the release, Omniva will also issue a first day cover. Two different first day cancellations will be used on this occasion. The Tallinn cancellation will serve as the main cancellation of the issue, with 400 sets prepared. In addition, a special cancellation will be used in Narva, with 100 sets prepared, recognising Heljo Mänd’s birthplace and her connection to different places across Estonia.
The stamp dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Heljo Mänd is priced at €1.80 and is suitable for domestic mail. The print run is 20,000 copies. The stamps are available at Omniva post offices across Estonia and in the Omniva online shop.
In 2026, Omniva will issue 46 postage stamps highlighting significant themes and events in the history and culture of the Estonian state and society. The Heljo Mänd stamps are printed by Vaba Maa printing house on FSC-certified paper. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label confirms that the wood used for the paper comes from responsibly managed forests.