Constanze Dennis (1990-2024)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Managing Director, Constanze Dennis, at the end of December 2024. She was a unique character whose determination and courage were an inspiration to all.

Constanze grew up in what she described as ‘the beautiful market town of Chesterfield’  and had begun to collect stamps before winning a place to read physics at Magdalen College, Oxford. A diagnosis of leukemia prevented Constanze from completing her degree and when her health recovered she opted for a change of direction, joining Sandafayre as a trainee philatelic describer in 2012. In March 2014, having impressed by arriving for her interview in a stamp-patterned dress, Constanze joined Grosvenor, despite her reservations about the south of the country, and rose to become Managing Director of the company.

She settled in Luton with her partner, Tom Margalski and two excitable cats. Although her health issues were a constant battle she delighted in travelling the world. The more remote, unusual and sometimes dangerous the destination might be the keener she was to visit. Philatelic museums and striking industrial buildings were a must-see on every itinerary.

Constanze was a greatly valued member of the Grosvenor family and the philatelic community as a whole. She served on the Council of the Philatelic Traders Society and had been elected a Fellow of the Royal Philatelic Society London.

She felt strongly her responsibility to represent the younger members of the stamp world, supporting the Stamp Active organisation to encourage new collectors. In her own words she hoped to “bridge the gap between traditional and new”, to help “to keep philately fun and worthwhile for all involved.”

Please click on the photo below or scan the QR code if you wish to donate in her memory.

A charity auction is being planned for later in the year. Details to follow.