Mary Kerr (from Barbados) points her finger to the “Missing Virgin” displayed in the Royal Philatelic Collection Exhibit, and Clary Holt (from Burlington, NC) looks on [photo by Felix Kerr]

THE MISSING VIRGIN RETURNS HOME IN TRIUMPH

The “Missing Virgin” returned to the Caribbean in triumph. This famous and rare stamp from the British Virgin Islands was included among a brilliant selection drawn from the Royal Philatelic Collection that was shown during the Tenth Annual British Virgin Islands Philatelic Exhibition, held in Road Town, Tortola, on 2 and 3 November.

Peter Jennings FRPSL (Fellow of The Royal Philatelic Society London) had the opportunity to visit the British Virgin Islands for the show courtesy of the British Virgin Islands Philatelic Society and the BVI Tourist Board. Here is his special report for The Island Sun.

Assistant Keeper of The Royal Philatelic Collection, Mr. Suresh Dhargalkar, LVO RIBA (r) receiving a 1979 BVI definitive stamp with inverted watermark as a token of gratitude of the BVI Philatelic Society for Her Majesty’s loan of a magnificent stamp exhibit for last weekend’s most successful stamp show. The elusive stamp (accompanied by two certificates of authenticity) is to adorn The Queen’s Stamp Collection at St. James’s Palace and was presented by BVI Philatelic Society President, Dr. Giorgio Migliavacca (l) at last Saturday’s Philatelic Dinner Gala at The Moorings, Mariner Inn Restaurant in conjunction with the 10th BVI Stamp Show at Barclays Bank featuring West Indies rarities from The Royal Philatelic Collection. Mr. Dhargalkar has served the Royal Household as the Superintending Architect to The Queen for many, many years. Looking on is Miss BVI Bethsaida Smith. Please read Peter Jennings’ informative article on page 19-22
[photo by Astrid Wenzke]

The highlight of the splendid and superbly organised show which was opened jointly by His Excellency The Governor, Mr Thomas Macan and the Chief Minister, The Hon Ralph T. O’Neal, was a selection of priceless stamps from the Royal Collection, loaned for display in the Court of Honour by gracious permission of H M The Queen during her Golden Jubilee Year.

“The Missing Virgin”

The 72 album pages skilfully selected by Mr Suresh Dhargalkar, LVO, RIBA, Assistant Keeper of the Royal Philatelic Collection included an example of the legendary “Missing Virgin”. In an unfortunate oversight, the central figure of the Virgin was omitted from a few of the 1s stamp issued in 1867. The whereabouts of only three copies is known today. 
Also on display in the first frame, 15 album sheets of material from the British Virgin Islands, was the first issue of 1866, showing die proofs and 1d and 6d issued stamps, 1868 penny printing, die proofs and complete sheets of the 4d value of 1867. The frame concluded with a number of examples of the 1s value, double line frame, the crimson frame and single frame examples of 1867-68. Also shown was a used example of the 4d 1888 “Tortola Provisional” with double overprints.

Mr. Peter Jennings FRPSL (Fellow of The Royal Philatelic Society London) presents 22 karat stamps and “The Times Royal Handbook” to BVI Philatelic Society President, Dr. Giorgio Migliavacca. Miss BVI Bethsaida Smith, and British Caribbean Philatelic Study Group President, Mr. Peter J. Kaulback look on. [photo by Astrid Wenzke]

The second frame, 14 album pages, was entirely devoted to the proofs and essays of the second definitive series of King George VI. In 1951, consideration was given to a new definitive series of King George VI’s reign. The issue was so far advanced when the King died on 6 February 1952 a decision was taken to continue and the stamps were released on 15 April that year.

Of particular interest is the artwork that showed the name of the territory as “British Virgin Islands”. However, it was decided to continue with the previous name of “Virgin Islands”. Apart from the “Restoration of the Legislative Council” issue in April 1951, the name “British Virgin Islands” did not appear again until the stamps issued on 16 December 1968 to commemorate the Opening of Beef Island Airport Extension. With few exceptions it has remained so until the present day.
The British Caribbean Philatelic Study Group

Ms. Bernice Brodie recognizes a cover her grandfather had received in Belgium from a person living at Beef Island in the early 1900s. The cover was part of the impressive display of BVI rarities exhibited by Robert Wynstra (from Urbana, Illinois)

To celebrate the considerable achievements of the British Virgin Islands Philatelic Society, the prestigious British Caribbean Philatelic Study Group (BCPSG) held a special meeting attended by 17 members from outside the BVI, three members from the BVI, and myself, the newest recruit, at the Treasure Isle Hotel during the stamp exhibition.

The BCPSG formed in 1961, holds its annual meeting in the Caribbean every 5 or so years, and this was the second time its eminent specialists from around the world had gathered in Tortola. A special handstamp cancellation dated 1 November 2002 was produced to mark the occasion.
Suresh Dhargalkar told me: “This is the first time that a selection from The Queen’s private stamp collection has travelled to the West Indies. I am delighted that it is happening during the Golden Jubilee of The Queen’s Accession. It was a wonderful opportunity for philatelists, and in particular the general public in the Caribbean, to see these world-famous rarities.”
Bermuda

BVI Philatelic Society President, Dr. Giorgio Migliavacca made special presentations to Mrs. Dancia Penn-Sallah, QC, (at left) and Ms. Ermine Penn (Chairperson of the Millennium Project Committee) for their continued support of the Society over a period of 18 years. Miss BVI Bethsaida Smith, looks on. [photo by Astrid Wenzke]

The focus of The Queen’s stamps was not solely on the Virgin Islands. Highlight of a frame of 9 album pages from Bermuda were the 1848 “Perots” named after William Perot, the Postmaster of Hamilton, Bermuda. The stamps were made from a handstamp sent out from London. Eleven copies are believed to have survived, only three of which are dated 1848. The other two examples shown dated from 1853 and 1854.
Turks Islands

The Turks Islands frame of 11 album pages surpassed in quantity and quality anything that had been seen before, and featured two original Perkins Bacon drawings of the 1867 issue with die and plate proofs of the Penny value. In 1881 there was a need for stamps of other values than those issued and local overprints were made of the particular values needed for postal purposes. Examples of these rare overprints were shown.
Cayman Islands

This frame of 11 album pages included an essay of the artist’s drawings by De La Rue of the 1938 issue showing a dolphin that was rejected on the grounds that the type of dolphin illustrated was not found in Caribbean waters. Finally, the fifth essay with a “dolphin fish” was finally adopted. The artists’ watercolour drawings by Bradbury Wilkinson for the 2 October 1950 definitive issue were also shown.
Montserrat

BVI Philatelic Society President, Dr. Giorgio Migliavacca discusses a BVI collection on display with His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Thomas Macan [photo by Stephen McMaster]

The Montserrat frame of 12 album pages included a selection of the first issue of 1876 and vertical bisects of the 1d Antigua overprinted “Montserrat (one on cover). The essay for the 1916 King George V issue initialled and approved by The King, and original watercolour designs by Bradbury Wilkinson artists’ for the new currency definitive issue of September 1951 were among other important items included.
Exhibits from members of the BCPSG

This fabulous selection from The Queen’s Caribbean stamps was the jewel in the crown of this wonderful exhibition and was augmented by superb exhibits from three members of the British Caribbean Philatelic Study Group. Dr Giorgio Migliavacca, the dynamic and renowned President, and founder member of the British Virgin Islands Philatelic Society in 1985, showed proofs, stamps and covers of the BVI. Highlight of the display was the historic cover carried on the last trip of the SS Rhone that sank off Salt Island on 29 October 1867.

Assistant Keeper of the Royal Philatelic Collection, Mr. Suresh Dhargalkar takes the Queen’s Representative, Governor Thomas Macan and BVI Chief Minister, Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal on a guided tour of the Royal Exhibit [photo by Astrid Wenzke]

Charles Freeland from Basel, Switzerland, presented the second major display by the BCPSG, which was in three parts. He showed his classic collection of Virgin Islands in three frames. Among the early postal history included was the only known example of the large Tortola marking with close letters of 1800. A comprehensive range of essays and proof material contained many unique items including the original die-proofs of the 1866 1d and 6d used by Nissen and Partner to print the first issues.

The second display was five frames of St Vincent 1796-1932. The final frame was the Nelson Centenary issue of 1906 for Barbados, including the unique sequence of artwork prepared by Mrs Goodman the wife of the Attorney General that was the original of the accepted design.

Mr. Charles Freeland from Basel, Switzerland exhibited a splendid selection of BVI rarities and very impressive collections of St. Vincent and Barbados. He is pictured here at left while being congratulated by BVIPS President Dr. Giorgio Migliavacca. Chief Minister Hon. O’ Neal, His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Thomas Macan and Assistant Keeper of The Royal Philatelic Collection, Mr. Suresh Dhargalkar look on [photo by Felix Kerr]

Robert Wynstra from Illinois, USA, Immediate Past President of the BCPSG, focused on mail that was sent from the small village post offices in the British Virgin Islands and the nearby islands of Anguilla and Barbuda during the period from 1803 to 1932. The BVI part of the display included a wide range of commercial letters from the villages of East End and West End on the main island of Tortola and from the smaller islands of Virgin Gorda and Anegada. The display included an 1804 letter from Virgin Gorda, one of a very few known pre-stamp letters from a village post office in the BVI.

The BCPSG formed in 1961 under the name “British West Indies Federation Study Group”, in North America, changed its name in 1962 to the “British Caribbean Philatelic Study Group” following a merger with the Bahamas Postal History Study Circle. Members of the UK based Roses Caribbean Philatelic Society voted to merge with the BCPSG in 1988. The Group now has about 420 members from more than 25 different countries. They are kept in contact by the distinguished quarterly British Caribbean Philatelic Journal containing news and well-researched articles.
Impressive Inaugural Ceremony

The impressive Inaugural Ceremony of the 10th Annual Stamp Exhibition took place in a small marquee tent erected outside the front of Barclays Bank at 10.00am on Saturday 2 November, and was attended by all the key people in the BVI as well as visitors from overseas. These included the Governor, Deputy Governor, Chief Minister, Speaker, Leader of the Opposition, Attorney General, Acting Commissioner of the Royal BVI Police, and the Potmaster General. 

The Master of Ceremonies, the delightful Mrs Dancia Penn-Sallah, QC, described it as: “A very special day in the life of this country.” She introduced the new Governor, Mr Thomas Macan, who had arrived in the BVI just three weeks before with his American wife Janet.

In his speech the Governor said: “This is a truly unique occasion. Never before have items from the Royal Philatelic Collection been displayed in this way in the Caribbean. So it is a single honour to the British Virgin Islands, that Her Majesty has given Her gracious permission for these items to be displayed here today.”

Mr Macan paid a warm tribute to the members of the BVI Philatelic Society who compiled the recently published Specialised Stamp Catalogue of the British Virgin Islands 1787-2001. He said: “Not only is this work a triumph of scholarship, but it also adds to the knowledge of the history and development of these islands. Most of us prefer an envelope with an attractive stamp, with its promise of an interesting letter within. BVI stamps have lifted many hearts across the globe. Whatever the competition from the new media, traditional mail will clearly continue to have an important role for the foreseeable future, which is extremely good news for philatelists.”

BVI Chief Minister Hon. Ralph O’ Neal receives commemorative medal from British Caribbean Philatelic Study Group President, Mr. Peter J. Kaulback. Miss BVI Bethsaida Smith looks on. [photo by Astrid Wenzke]

The impressive Chief Minister, Mr Ralph T. O’Neal, an Hon Life Member of the British Virgin Philatelic Society, said: “I should like through His Excellency the Governor to convey to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II the thanks and appreciation of the Government and people of the British Virgin Islands for being so kind and gracious to allow some of her personal stamp collection to be exhibited here. We always remember with kind affection her two visits in 1967 and 1977.”

The Chief Minister said: “This is an historic occasion. The word is gradually spreading through the schools and community about the value of stamps and the joy it brings to those who have it as their hobby. I started collecting stamps while I was at secondary school and I learnt a lot from them.”

Following the prestigious opening ceremony, Giorgio Migliavacca, a most distinguished philatelist, prolific writer of philatelic books and articles and a renowned stamp expert gave the guests of honour a guided tour of the exhibition that he and his hard-working team had meticulously masterminded. The temperature inside the banking hall was carefully controlled while outside it was more than 100 degrees F. Admission to the exhibition was free and visitors had the opportunity to purchase BVI stamps and first day covers from a table manned by staff from the BVI Philatelic Bureau.

Barclays Bank had been transformed in a veritable Garden of Eden with gorgeous floral arrangements, palms and plants supplied by the multitalented David Penn of “Growing Things”.

Two special commemorative covers and handstamps

To mark this historic occasion the British Virgin Islands Philatelic Society produced two attractive commemorative covers one depicting a map of the British Virgin Islands, and two special hand stamp cancellations. Both had the wording: “10th Annual BVI Stamp Exhibition, Tortola 2nd & 3rd Nov. 2002” round the edge. One included The Queen’s head between the dates 1952 - 2002 and the words: “The Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Court of Honour featuring The Royal Philatelic Collection”. The other depicted the symbol of the BCPSG logo and the words: “Hosting the AGM of the British Caribbean Philatelic Study Group.”

A useful linen carrier bag and T-shirt (now greatly sought after) emblazoned with the “Mission Virgin” stamp were also produced and given to members of the British Caribbean Philatelic Study Group who paid the registration fee to attend the AGM and superb social programme. Also listed on the carrier were the names of the five major sponsors - Barclays Bank PLC; BVI Tourist Board; Cable & Wireless; Morgan and Morgan; Mossack Fonseca & Co.

Members of the British Caribbean Philatelic Study Group (BCPSG) pose at the end of a most successful “Welcome Cocktail Party” hosted by the BVI Tourist Board at the Curator’s Hall, BVI Botanic Gardens. At the end of the show BCPSG Vice-President, Mr. Jack Harwood wrote a congratulatory letter to BVI Philatelic Society President, Dr. Giorgio Migliavacca stating: “I cannot begin to tell you how much we enjoyed our visit to Tortola, the opportunity to meet you in person after hearing so much about you for so long, the opportunity to attend the incredibly fine exhibition, and to enjoy so many interesting and pleasant days in the BVI. I am sure we will return again, for it is difficult to imagine a more pleasant holiday than the one just completed. You are certainly to be congratulated on a splendid job. Your foresight only proves the old adage that almost anything can be accomplished if you dare to dream high enough. “ Mr. Harwood also had words of high praise for the entire Organizing Committee. [photo by Felix Kerr]

Deluxe souvenir programme

A deluxe 100-page souvenir programme containing many colour illustrations and featuring well-researched and impressive articles and a number of special messages was produced and will itself inevitably become a highly collectable item. The articles included: “Virgin Islands v. St Thomas: How Tortola lost its battle for postal supremacy in the West Indies”, by Dr Giorgio Migliavacca; “The British Virgin Islands Philatelic Society: Carving Its Niche, Locally And Internationally”; and “British Virgin Islands 1938-1947 Issues” by Tom Cusick. 

Mr Roger Downing the tireless Vice Chairman, Secretary and founder member of the Virgin Islands Philatelic Society, together with Mrs Joanna Warner, the charming and enthusiastic Treasurer, contributed an interesting article about the “The Advent of the Specialised Stamp Catalogue of the British Virgin Islands Catalogue, 1787-2001”.
Mr Charles Goodwyn, RDP, Hon FRPSL, wrote: “Her Majesty The Queen has graciously approved a loan of a selection of material from Her Personal Philatelic Collection for display in the Tenth Annual Philatelic Exhibition by the British Virgin Islands Philatelic Society.”

He emphasised: “It is the first time The Queen’s Stamps are being displayed in the West Indies. The British Virgin Islands are fortunate to have my Assistant, Mr Suresh Dhargalkar representing Her Majesty and me and bringing the display to you. Suresh has served the Royal Household as the Superintending Architect to The Queen and since his retirement from that post, has devoted his time to the conservation of Her Majesty’s stamp collection and bringing it to the public in general.”
Mr Peter Kaulback, the resourceful and charismatic President British Caribbean Philatelic Study Group, wrote: “On a per capita basis I imagine that the BVI has a higher proportion of philatelists than any other territory and this is the second time that the BCPSG have availed ourselves of their hospitality. They have gone out of their way to make this a spectacular event both from a philatelic standpoint and a showcase of Caribbean hospitality.”

Dr Migliavacca wrote: “We will remain forever grateful to Her Majesty for the great honour she has bestowed on our small and humble Philatelic Society in the year of the Golden Jubilee of Her Accession to the Throne. On behalf of the BVI Philatelic Society I would like to extend the most sincere thanks to The Keeper of The Royal Philatelic Collection. Mr. Charles Goodwyn and his Assistant, Mr Suresh Dhargalkar. They have been extremely supportive from the very beginning and without their generous encouragement and expert guidance our dream would never have materialised.” 

Earlier, during an interview with me, Dr Migliavacca explained how in August 1999 he and Roger Downing, together with Jo Warner visited London and met with Suresh Dhargalkar in the Stamp Room at St James’s Palace. “I remember the occasion well. It was 4 August, The Queen Mother’s 99th birthday and also my birthday. We talked in the Stamp Room and during lunch with Suresh Dhargalkar the idea blossomed about the possibility of The Queen’s stamps being shown in the BVI at our 10th Anniversary Stamp Exhibition in November 2002.”

Former Superintending Architect to The Queen, Assistant to the Keeper of the Royal Philatelic Collection, Mr. Suresh Dhargalkar (at left) congratulates Vice Chairman of the 10th BVI Stamp Show, Mr. Roger Downing for the pivotal role he played in the success of the historic and splendid event. Miss BVI Bethsaida Smith and BCPSG President Peter Kaulback look on. [photo by Felix Kerr]

Publicity generated interest

Meanwhile, in Tortola, members of the general public, including groups of school children, attended the two-day exhibition before the Closing Ceremony at 3.30pm on Sunday afternoon. Full-page advertisements published in the BVI’s three weekly newspapers The BVI Beacon, and The BVI Stand Point, and The Island Sun, all helped to capture public interest throughout the territory. The latter, edited for the past 19 years by the multi-talented Mr Vernon Pickering, Public Relations Officer for the show, kindly mentioned (2 November issue) my article “Missing Virgin makes a reappearance”, published in The London Times on 28 October.
Celebration banquet

The British Caribbean Philatelic Study Group & The British Virgin Islands Philatelic Society held a most enjoyable and memorable celebration banquet at the Moorings Mariner Inn on Saturday evening, 2 November. Suresh Dhargalkar told the 120 guests present that he would share the outstanding success of the Exhibition with Her Majesty by reporting to Her through the Keeper of the Privy Purse, Mr Alan Reid on his return to London. He singled out particularly Roger Downing, Secretary of the BVI Philatelic Society, with whom he had worked closely for more than two years to make the ambitious project a reality.The Governor, Mr Thomas Macan emphasised that he too would be reporting to The Queen on the tremendous success of the exhibition but that it would be sent by fax to Buckingham Palace.

Mr Nigel Fordham, Head of the Crown Agents Stamp Bureau, agents for the British Virgin Islands Post Office told Gibbons Stamp Monthly: “Their stamp designs encapsulate the vibrant, exciting Caribbean, the bounty of their flora and fauna and their status as a United Kingdom Overseas Territory. They are true ambassadors of a beautiful country.”
Suresh Dhargalkar has achieved a spectacular public relations coup for Her Majesty’s personal stamp collection abroad!

DE LUXE STAMP EXHIBITION PROGRAMME - 96 pages, 20 color plates, postal history articles, specialized articles - available for US$12.00 (air mail postage included) - from Giorgio Migliavacca, P.O. Box 704, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, West Indies - e mail: issun@candwbvi.net