Douglas Garth

Background

Garth was the second son of Sir Richard Garth (1820 -1903), a former Chief-Justice of Calcutta.

Career

He was an expert on the stamps of India and British Guiana and a Solicitor in the firm of Pemberton & Garth. He was credited by The London Philatelist with introducing the modern stamp auction to Britain, the first such auction being held by Thomas Bulletin (1839-1905) at 77 Chancery Lane on 24 November 1888. In 1891 Garth gave a display to the society of the First Issues of India and in 1896 he displayed Straits Settlements Stamps.

In 1892 he gave evidence against the stamp forgers Benjamin and Sarpy.

Garth"s involvement in organised philately began to wane, however, as his health worsened in the late 1890s and he died, at Old Headington, Oxford, on 6 January 1900 of influenza followed by bronchitis.

Achievements

• He was on the committee of the London Philatelic Exhibition 1890, where he won a gold medal for his display of India and Ceylon.

Membership

Garth was Honorary Secretary (1888 to 1894) of the Philatelic Society, London, now The Royal Philatelic Society London, and a member of the first Committee of that society.