Arthur Gray (philatelist)
Arthur William Sinclair Gray | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | May 22, 2015 (aged 76) |
| Occupation(s) | Philatelist, businessman, lawyer, merchant banker |
| Known for | Collection of pre-decimal Australian postage stamps, especially "kangaroo and map" series |
Arthur William Sinclair Gray FRPS (14 April 1939 – 22 May 2015) was a distinguished Australian philatelist celebrated for his extensive collection of pre-decimal Australian postage stamps, with a particular focus on the "kangaroo and map" series. As a dedicated lifelong collector, he financed his award-winning assemblage through a prosperous business career and strategic participation in auctions. Gray held fellowships in multiple philatelic societies, contributed actively to their activities, and was pivotal in the acquisition of the Brusden-White philatelic enterprise. The 2007 sale of his kangaroo and map stamps set a global record price for an individual Australian stamp.
Early life
Born on 14 April 1939, Arthur Gray developed an early passion for stamp collecting, often visiting post offices to obtain imprint blocks from newly issued stamps.
Career
Gray initially practiced law with BHP before transitioning into merchant banking. Later, he established a successful network of health food stores in Sydney. This financial success enabled him to retire early and dedicate himself fully to his philatelic interests.
Philately
Known among fellow collectors as "nugget," Gray concentrated on pre-decimal Australian stamps, emphasizing the "kangaroo and map" issues. In addition, he curated a premier assortment of Australian booklet stamps. Auctioneer Gary Watson praised his King George V Australian stamp collection as surpassing the quality found within the Queen's Royal Collection. Supported by his financial resources, Gray was a dominant figure in auctions, seldom outbid and proud of his achievements. His collections received 11 gold medals and 22 large gold medals at international events.
Gray was a fellow of the Royal Philatelic Society London and frequently showcased comprehensive exhibitions there. He also held fellowship status with the Royal Philatelic Society of Victoria. Serving two terms as president of the Australian Commonwealth Collectors' Club of New South Wales, he was honored as the fourth honorary fellow of the Australian Philatelic Order. Gray played an essential role in securing ownership of the Brusden-White specialist catalogue and auction firm.
In 2007, his "Roos" collection was auctioned in New York, achieving $US 5,584,000 including buyer’s premium, with every one of the 849 lots sold. His 1913 £2 black and red kangaroo and map stamp featuring the JBC monogrammed lower sheet selvedge commanded a world record price for an Australian stamp at $US 138,000 despite some condition concerns. Experts attributed much of this value to the rarity of the monogrammed selvedge itself. Gray had expressed a preference for his collection to be dispersed openly to encourage new collectors rather than remaining intact within institutions, contrasting with the approach taken for fellow philatelist Ray Chapman’s collection.
Death and legacy
After a lengthy illness, Gray passed away on 22 May 2015.
External links
- The ‘Gray’ Kangaroos, of Course! Rodney A. Perry