A B C D E F G H IJK L M NO P Q R S TU VWXYZ
(The Who Was Who listing is broken down into sections, in alphabetical order by surname - please click on the appropriate letter above to visit that section of the listing.) 

Brian Schofield FRPSL

(2003)

© The British Philatelic Trust 2003

FOREWORD

Now that the introduction of postage stamps happened over 160 years ago, more and more people are interested in the historical aspects of collectors of stamps, in particular those early philatelists that could be described as the 'Fathers of Philately'. The development of Philately into its present day state as a highly refined, well researched and educational pursuit, depended on a raft of collectors. It is difficult to select all those who should, or should not, be included in a "Who's Who of Philately", but Brian Schofield has attempted this. To narrow the field, he has restricted entries to those who are no longer alive, hence "Who Was Who in British Philately" is the title of this book. Even with this reduced field it is difficult to study and complete the listing.

Distinguished philatelists are described within the philatelic literature available throughout their lives, and often more detailed biographical information is given at their death. In order to obtain this information, Brian has had to search through literally hundreds of philatelic publications. It is amazing what he has been able to find out and include within this book. To say the least, this book has arisen out of dedicated research, fortunately assisted by having the very significant library of the Royal Philatelic Society London close to hand. The book's importance is primarily through bringing together the information about major philatelists within one volume. But it does more than this as it lists the publications written, and the collections formed by these philatelists, information of great importance to researchers. Such detail enables the philatelist to gain provenance of philatelic items as well as much more. It is certainly a valuable addition within the field of philatelic literature.

It is appreciated that a work of this nature becomes out of date as soon as it is published. Being realistic, it is not cost-effective to keep republishing the work as more and more details emerge as time goes by. Recognising this fact, only a limited edition will be published in hard copy form, but an electronic version will be maintained on this web site. As Brian obtains new information, either through readers' feedback or as existing philatelists pass away, the electronic version of "Who Was Who in British Philately" will be updated.

INTRODUCTION 

The following pages attempt to provide, in biographical form, an overview of those who were noteworthy during the first hundred years or so of scientific philately, which may be said to have started in the days of the legendary Edward Loines Pemberton in the 1860s. Collectors, dealers, publishers, authors, and even some of the forging fraternity are accordingly represented, all having contributed in their various ways to the colourful history and progress of the hobby in the period referred to.

The title chosen indicates the scope of the work. Those listed originated either in the United Kingdom or, if from elsewhere, are included because they became well known here in the philatelic scene.

Although The Royal Philatelic Society London, did not become Royal until 1906, it is designated throughout as RPSL, except in a few early references where the context otherwise requires. The content of the biographies has been derived from a wide range of philatelic publications, mainly consulted in the library of the ‘Royal’, without which the task would not have been possible. Where necessary, full names and dates of birth/death have been verified at the Principal Probate Registry, and the Family Records Centre.

Inevitably, there are going to be names which some would have expected to see recorded, but are not present. It was essential, however, to proceed by the criteria already described, applying them as fairly as possible in each case. I hope that the result will prove to be not merely of general interest, but within its limits, a worthwhile source of information.

I wish to acknowledge assistance received from The Whitworth Art Gallery, Kirklees Metropolitan Council, The Royal Institute of British Architects, Mr Michael Briggs of Gibbons Stamp Monthly, and Mr JR Hartley, Hon. Secretary, Sheffield Philatelic Society.

Brian Schofield

LAYOUT OF INFORMATION

The main biographical details are listed in alphabetical sequence of names. Within individual biographies, other philatelists are often mentioned but in this electronic version it has unfortunately not been possible to include an index for sub-entries. A hard copy of the work is available from the Trust, price £8 post paid, which does include an index for sub-entries.

A B C D E F G H IJK L M NO P Q R S TU VWXYZ
(The Who Was Who listing is broken down into sections, in alphabetical order by surname - please click on the appropriate letter above to visit that section of the listing.)