The John Rose Collection of Gambia

An outstanding auction of 476 lots, including postal history rarities and exceptional items from the Cameo and Key Type issues

John Rose 1948–2010

John was born in Meonstoke, Hampshire, but moved to Middlesex when he was three. He left Twickenham Grammar School at sixteen and returned to live in Meonstoke, taking his A levels at college in Portsmouth. He attended Hull University where he gained a BSc in Geology followed by a PhD in Micropalaeontology.

His working career was as an Exploration Petroleum Geologist, and he was employed by several large international oil companies as well as working independently as a consultant to the oil industry. John travelled the world during his career, visiting many unusual and hazardous locations. The only continent he had not visited was Antarctica, although fieldwork in Tierra del Fuego came very close. His interest in stamps began in childhood and although he collected stamps from many countries his love of the Gambia Cameo issue inspired him to specialise in this country. John was a past president of the Burgess Hill Philatelic Society and an enthusiastic member of the West Africa Study Circle. His book, A Study of the Consignments and Printings of the Perforated Cameo Stamps of Gambia 1880–1898 is currently being published. John sadly died of cancer in 2010, leaving a widow and two children.

To be held in the Grosvenor Auction Room on the Third Floor of the Stanley Gibbons building at 399–401 Strand, London WC2R 0LT

Monday 23rd May 2011 at 11 am

Public viewing at our offices is to be available on

Tuesday 17th May 9.30 am to 5 pm
Wednesday 18th May 9.30 am to 5 pm
Thursday 19th May 9.30 am to 5 pm
Friday 20th May 9.30 am to 4 pm