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 a 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 pictures, it includes much new information about his mysterious origins and his fascinating life in England, Ireland and France.

Text in French.