Lowe, Robson

LOWE, John Harry Robson 1905-1997. Philatelist of worldwide renown. Joined London dealers, Fox & Co in 1920 for brief period. Established Robson Lowe Ltd at 93 Regent Street in 1926. Issued first edition of Regent Stamp Catalogue in 1932 (later to become Regent Encyclopaedia of Empire Postage Stamps). Began to hold stamp auctions in 1936. Wrote 'Handstruck Postage Stamps of the Empire' [1937]. Moved his business to 50 Pall Mall, London in 1940. Auctioned collections of McGowan, Beckton, Jewell, Vallancey, and Ginger. Ran secondary auctions in Bournemouth from 1945. Set up branch in Philadelphia, 1947, and held auctions there, but was obliged to withdraw because of dual taxation. Published six volume Encyclopaedia of British Empire Postage Stamps [1948-90]. Founded Society of Postal Historians, 1950. In 1956 acquired the firm of PL Pemberton & Co including The Philatelic Journal of Great Britain. Instituted The Raconteur, 1934, later called The Philatelist, and eventually incorporating The Philatelic Journal of Great Britain. Auctioned vast collection of Maurice Burrus, the tobacco magnate. Formed Robson Lowe International, 1968, represented in more than 15 countries. Sold Robson Lowe Ltd to Christies in 1980 but continued with part-time work. Published many monographs etc written by himself and other well known philatelists. Awarded Liechtenstein medal, and John Luff Award of the American Philatelic Society. Declined to be an RDP because [sic] of the failure to delete name of AA Jurgens, South African forger.

ISAAR(CPF)