How Baron Ferdinand Rothschild amassed a world-class collection of nearly 300 Renaissance treasures.
In short: This video explores the origins of the Waddesdon Bequest, a collection of nearly 300 medieval and Renaissance objects. It features insights from the Rothschild family and contemporary artists on the personal obsession behind these acquisitions and their eventual home at the British Museum.
Baron Ferdinand Rothschild curated this exceptional collection within the Smoking Room of Waddesdon Manor. Upon his death, the entire assembly was bequeathed to the British Museum in 1898. Today, these pieces are displayed in a dedicated gallery, Room 2a, which was funded by The Rothschild Foundation.
The film provides a multifaceted look at the collection through the eyes of family members Hannah and Jacob Rothschild, as well as cultural figures like Grayson Perry and Edmund de Waal. By examining the objects through the lenses of curators and artists, the video highlights the enduring significance of Ferdinand’s lifelong pursuit of beauty and historical craftsmanship.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Waddesdon Bequest: an obsession for collecting
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