Gordon Read, who served as Keeper of the Royal Philatelic Collection for more than 20 years, has died aged 86. He was a leading figure in the world of stamp collecting and oversaw one of the most valuable stamp collections in the world, belonging to the British royal family.
Early life and career
Read was born in 1940 in London and developed an interest in stamps as a child. He joined the Royal Mail in 1957 and worked in various roles before becoming a specialist in philately. In 1995, he was appointed Keeper of the Royal Philatelic Collection, a position he held until 2016. During his tenure, he curated the collection for Queen Elizabeth II and later King Charles III.
Contributions to philately
Read was widely respected for his expertise and dedication. He authored several books on stamp collecting and was a regular contributor to philatelic journals. He also served as a judge at international stamp exhibitions. According to the Royal Philatelic Society London, Read was "a meticulous curator and a generous mentor to many in the hobby."
Under his stewardship, the Royal Philatelic Collection was loaned to exhibitions around the world, including a major display at the British Library in 2015. The collection includes rare stamps such as the Penny Black and the Mauritius "Post Office" stamps.
Personal life and legacy
Read is survived by his wife, two children, and four grandchildren. He was known for his kindness and willingness to share his knowledge. John Davis, a fellow philatelist, said: "Gordon was the embodiment of the stamp collector's spirit – passionate, precise, and always eager to inspire others."
Read's death marks the end of an era for the Royal Philatelic Collection, which continues to be a treasured part of the royal heritage.
