GREAT COLLECTORS

Many of Britain’s finest museums owe their existence to the magpie instincts of a private collector or two, and their generous desire to share the fruits of their labours with the nation. Though the collectors themselves are long gone, their personal treasure troves give us a glimpse into their lives and loves, personal tastes and inspirations. Here we’ve gathered seven of our country’s great collectors, whose collections can still be visited today.

SIR JOHN SOANE

Architect Sir John Soane, designer of the Bank of England, rose from humble beginnings as the son of a bricklayer. His famous collection of art and antiquities started with his Grand Tour of Europe in 1778, funded by a scholarship from