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Paperback – 235 x 197 mm – 428 pages

ISBN 9781843682264

SHORTLISTED FOR THE BERGER PRIZE

The Wallace Collection is perhaps the greatest single art collection ever gifted to a nation. That this came about is due to Sir Richard Wallace. Born in 1818, Wallace was an exceptionally generous and empathetic philanthropist during a period renowned for its strong philanthropic ethos. He was already an acknowledged connoisseur when, in 1870, he unexpectedly inherited the celebrated art collection of Richard Seymour-Conway, 4th Marquess of Hertford, together with great wealth. This remarkable windfall enabled him to indulge his twin passions: collecting, and enriching public education through art. Although he died in 1890 without having bequeathed his collection at Hertford House in London to the nation, his French widow, Lady Wallace, was undoubtedly fulfilling his wishes in doing so on her death in 1897. 

This is the first book exclusively dedicated to Sir Richard Wallace. Lavishly illustrated with more than 490 images, many never before reproduced, it includes much new information about Wallace’s mysterious origins and his fascinating life in England, Ireland and France.

Suzanne Higgott is Curator of Glass, Limoges Painted Enamels, Earthenware and Early Furniture at the Wallace Collection in London.