Thomas Keay Tapling (1855-1891) was one of the greatest stamp collectors of all time. In fact, he is generally considered as the second best, next to only Philipp von Ferrary.
Tapling died aged just 36. He bequeathed his collection to the British Museum. The collection is now housed at the British Library in London. The stamps were written up by arguably the greatest philatelist of all time, Edward Denny Bacon, and its write-up reflects conventional philatelic knowledge up to 1899 – the year when its preparation for display was completed.
Now, the treasures of the Tapling Collection are being revealed in print for the first time. With Boston 2026 around the corner, the first in what is planned to be a series of volumes, focuses on the US and Hawaiian Islands. A separate volume showcasing the Tapling Confederate States is next in the publication cycle.
The new hardback 192-page book contains introductions by the current Curator of the British Library Philatelic Collections, Richard Scott Morel FRPSL, and a Foreword by his predecessor in the role, David Beech MBE FRPSL. Together, these gentleman represent the greatest store of knowledge of the Collections’ history and its content.
This volume includes:
- US Postmasters Provisionals
- Carriers
- US Government issues
- Newspaper stamps
- Unpaid Letter and Official stamps
- Telegraphs
- Proofs and Essays
- Locals
- Hawaii
Orders can be placed online on Bard Philately (an initiative of Anthony Bard, ex-editor of the London Philatelist and current editor of the Collectors Club Philatelist). The first impression is limited to 100 copies. The price is GBP 45 plus postage.
