Journal of the History of Collections Advance Access originally published online on March 25, 2009
Journal of the History of Collections 2009 21(2):263-269; doi:10.1093/jhc/fhp010
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© The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.
This article appears in the following Journal of the History of Collections issue: Special Issue: The art collector-between philanthropy and self-glorification [View the issue table of contents]
Collecting then and now
The English and some other collectors
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Abstract |
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This paper sets out to show the generosity of spirit, particularly from the second half of the nineteenth century onwards, with which collectors in England enriched the country's museums. This was by piecemeal donations, as well as by the endowment of newly founded establishments, housing entire collections. As far as one can judge today, it was much more often a case of philanthropy than self-gratification. With a few major exceptions, it continued on a much reduced scale in recent times. The mood has changed among some giants of collecting, often those with exceptional commercial talents, for whom self-glorifying philanthropy—and tax advantages—are often the order of the day. This has been particularly true in America, where an extraordinary shift to collecting ‘contemporary’ art has until very recently dominated the scene. Self-glorification was certainly part of that pattern.
Address for correspondence Frank Herrmann, West Bowers Hall, Woodham Walter, Maldon Essex CM9 6RZ. patriciaherrmann{at}talk21.com