Denys named top topical collector

Jack Andre Denys has been named the 2014 Distinguished Topical Philatelist by the American Topical Association.

Denys is a lifelong collector who has served as ATA president since 2008, the longest tenure of any ATA president.

His topical exhibit on the Bayeux Tapestry has earned 10 gold awards, qualifying him for the American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors’ prestigious diamond award. He has also received the AAPE creativity award, the American Philatelic Society’s award of excellence and the American Philatelic Congress award for excellence in written text.

At the ATA National Topical Show, Denys’ exhibit received the reserve grand award in 2007 and the grand award in 2008. It was awarded a large vermeil with special prize at the Washington 2006 World Stamp Show, and a vermeil at the London 2010 International Stamp Exhibition.

A prolific contributor to philatelic journals, in 2011 Denys received the Randy L. Neil award for the best article in The Philatelic Exhibitor, “Myth-Busting Thematic Rules.”

Denys is a member of the APS and the AAPE, and is the founder of the ATA’s Albrecht Durer study group.

The ATA has experienced a membership increase during the past three years. The association notes that its website for buying and selling topical stamps, the establishment of electronic and archive versions of the ATA journal Topical Time, and a comprehensive checklist database of topical stamps are among the major accomplishments achieved during Denys’ service as ATA president.

Denys is also recognized as a mentor to many new collectors, and as a champion of the stamp hobby.

The award will be presented to Denys during the June 28 banquet at the 2014 National Topical Show, the ATA’s 65th annual stamp show and exhibition taking place June 27-29 at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel, 9801 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, Mo.

For additional information, visit www.americantopicalassn.org.