Frederick Brian John Sole was a leading figure in British thematic philately, whose lifelong dedication shaped the hobby nationally and internationally. A Fellow of the Royal Philatelic Society of London, he served as Secretary of Kingston Upon Thames Philatelic Society and President of the Federation of Surrey Philatelic Societies, receiving the Congress Medal at the Philatelic Congress of Great Britain in 2002.
A passionate thematic exhibitor, his acclaimed cycling exhibit Go by Cycle! won Gold at Singapore 2002, and he later earned another Gold at Autumn Stampex (2021) for his postcard display Cycle Past. President of the Bicycle Stamp Club (2002–2016), he was also a qualified thematic judge in the UK and at European level.
A founder member, Secretary, Chairman and later President of the British Thematic Association, Brian worked tirelessly to promote thematic collecting, co-translating the Handbook of Thematic Philately and supporting exhibitions, education and international collaboration. He is remembered for his scholarship, diplomacy and generosity.