James Duncan An Enlightened Victorian PB

James Duncan, an enlightened Victorian

Paperback - 80 pages.
Published by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, this book casts light on and celebrates the life of a great Scot who was once the Laird of Benmore, now Benmore botanic garden.
Whilst most are familiar with the collections of Burrel, few have heard of James Duncan. Yet had Duncan's collection remained intact it would have been internationally recognised and significant to Scottish culture today.
The first Scottish collector to purchase an Impressionist painting, Duncan had an extraordinary eye as a collector at a time when Victorian sensibilities frowned upon many modern
works. At his estate, Benmore in Argylleshire, Duncan amassed a collection of international import, housed in his own vast gallery and open to the public, along with his other projects a fernery and a sugar
refinery.

This man of huge scientific ability who pioneered work in industry and commerce, employed his wealth in improving the working conditions of his workforce and the community in general. And yet this innovative man, well regarded amongst his peers, all but disappeared from history as his fortune dwindled.
Here in this fascinating book by art researcher and teacher Dr Andrew M. Watson, for the first time, Duncan is recognised in the context of his time as a scientist, industrial innovator,
philanthropist and art collector; a Scot of great industry and energy whom the world has forgotten until now.