The following was first published in “The Australian Stamp Monthly” (June, 1979).
Mr. James Richard William Purves (Bill to his associates and friends) died suddenly at his South Yarra home on a Sunday morning, 13th May, 1979. His passing came as a numbing shock to his wide circle of friends, many of whom had noted with concern his failing health in recent years, but did not expect his death. One was not aware of his physical frailly, as he was so vital and alive, maintaining his keen intellect and sense of humour. Despite a lifetime of close philatelic study, he did not often use glasses, and his handwriting remained superb to the end. He had attended with obvious enjoyment the football match at Melbourne Cricket Ground with two of his philatelic friends on the afternoon before his death.
Bill Purves was an amazing man, a cultured gentleman with wide interests, well informed in the arts, painting and music, the depth of his knowledge constantly delighting and surprising his friends. He was a brilliant conversationalist covering almost all topics.
He attended Geelong Grammar School, the first boy to win a place by Exhibition, and studied law at Melbourne University, graduating L.LB and L.LM, and playing cricket for Trinity College. He was a good all round athlete and played golf from scratch. After overseas travel, he joined the family legal firm of Purves & Purves following his father and grandfather, the family having come over from Tasmania commencing legal practice prior to 1850. It was a successful practice, and among his clients were the A.M.P. Society. Thomas Cook Pty. Ltd. (of which he was until recent years an Australian Director), and the Victoria Racing Club. His knowledge of racing was extensive.
He served in the Second A.I.F. in New Guinea after Commando training at Wilsons Promontory.
It was in the world of stamps that he became pre-eminent, collecting from the age of eight and winning his first award at the Second Australasian Philatelic Exhibition, Melbourne, 1921. He obtained a Silver Award in the Junior Section with a collection containing more than 11,000 varieties.
He joined the Philatelic Society of Victoria (now the Royal Philatelic Society of Victoria) in June 1923, and this society has remained his first love. He became president in 1929 at the age of 25, and presided again in 1935, 1946, 1953, 1957, 1963, 1969 and 1975, eight times in a membership of nearly 56 years.
He was tendered a complimentary dinner for his fiftieth anniversary in June 1973 in gratitude for what his membership has meant to the society. To him we owe the drive and much of the generosity which gave us our building, and the enjoyment we gained from stamps, and his encouragement of all seekers of his expert advice.
In June 1929, Bill became a member of the Royal Philatelic Society, London, a fellow some years later, and that rare honour of an honorary life fellowship in 1969.
Philatelic research and publication was with him a consuming passion. He was undertaking serious research in Australia Commonwealth in 1923, and work on all the Australian Slates from 1921. Much of his early work was published in the Australian (Victorian) Philatelic Record, and he became Editor from 1929 following the resignation of Mr. A. A. Rosenblum. Bill Purves commenced a new feature in “The Australian Stamp Monthly” as “Our Commonwealth Corner” in April 1937, handing Over to Mr. F. Burchett in November 1938. He pioneered “Philately from Australia” from March 1949 as Chairman, Publication Committee which position he held until his death, writing for almost every issue unless away from Australia.
He contributed articles and studies on stamps of many countries to leading English language philatelic periodicals throughout the world.
His Australia Commonwealth Collection won him his first major award, a Gold and Grand Award at the Fourth Australian & New Zealand International Philatelic Exhibition, Melbourne 1928, and was sold to His Majesty King George V in 1931. It now forms part of the Royal Philatelic Collection.
This photo of Bill Purves was taken when he visited Bri-Phil House on May 6, 1979 for the Sir Rowland Hill Exhibition.
He formed notable collections of South Australia, Tasmania, Fiji, Chile, Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico, Roumania and Salvador. As perhaps the world authority on stamp printing techniques, some aspects of stamp production attracted his interest in these countries. However, it was his beloved Victoria which was the subject of his major study and writing.
His published works include six major studies, and seven minor studies on aspects of Victoria, to joint, works on Tasmania, as well as major works on Fiji and South Australia. Another work is in progress.
These are his monument, and Bill Purves will be remembered with affection as long as philately survives.
He served on Grand Juries of philatelic exhibitions across the world, and in the words of his friend Robson Lowe, written in 1973,”Bill must be the most expert philatelic student in the world.”
The philatelic honours accorded to Bill include the following:
1933: J. H. Smyth Memorial Medal.
For Meritorious Service to Philately.
1935: Roll of Distinguished Philatelists.
His was the senior name on the Roll at the date of his death.
1938: Tapling Medal, R.P.S.L.
Best Paper published in 1938, “Fiji.”
1954: Crawford Medal.
For published book, “The Half Lengths o f Victoria.”
1957: David H. Hill Medal.
For Distinguished Service to Philately.
1959: Alfred H. Lichtenstein Memorial Award.
America’s highest Philatelic Award.
1963: American Philatelic Society International Award for Philatelic Achievement.
1965 & 1973: Collectors’ Club Philatelist Medal.
(Two Awards).
1967: Elected to Academic de Philatelie.
1968: Certificate of Honour of Postal History.
1970: J. R. W. Purves Medal.
For Distinguished Service to the Royal Philatelic Society of Victoria.
It is not possible to list his Awards at Philatelic Exhibitions, but Bill did not often compete. When he showed some special study, it was his practice to never show for competition again.
Many collectors and dealers attended the funeral service at St. Johns Church of England, Toorak. Mr. Purves leaves a widow, two daughters and a grandchild.
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