- Wikidata identifier:
- Q1421440
- Also known as:
- The Fitzwilliam Museum
- Instance of:
- art museum; history museum; university museum; tourist attraction
- Museum/collection status:
- Accredited Museum
- Accreditation number:
- 578
- Persistent shareable link for this record:
- https://museumdata.uk/museums/q1421440/
- Object records:
- Yes, see object records for this museum
Collection-level records:
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Collection history (Collection development policy)
The Fitzwilliam Museum owes its foundation to Richard, 7th Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrion, who in 1816 bequeathed his works of art and his library to the University together with the funds for a building in which to house them. The Museum opened to the public on its current site in 1848: from that date to the present, the founding collection (of paintings, prints, books and manuscripts) has been repeatedly extended through bequest, gift and purchase. Notable additions over the last 200 years include the Disney collection of Classical sculpture, the McClean collection of coins and manuscripts, the Glaisher collection of European ceramics, John Charrington’s print collection and the wide-ranging assortment of fine and applied arts and antiquities bequeathed by Charles Ricketts and Charles Shannon. The Museum also has important holdings of contemporary art and craft, acquired through purchase and donation.
Source: Collection development policy
Date: 2021
Licence: CC BY-NC
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Collection overview (Collection development policy)
The Museum collections are designated in their entirety, and include works of national and international significance, including numerous individual works and groups of superlative quality, artistic or historical importance.
The collections comprise the following major areas:
Antiquities
From the ancient Nile Valley and Mediterranean, including significant holdings from Egypt, Sudan, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Cyprus, North Africa, the Near East and China, comprising sculpture, ceramics, metalwork, textiles, glass and engraved seal-stones;
Coins, banknotes and medals
From ancient states through to contemporary monetary issues;
Graphic arts
British and European paintings, prints and drawings including portrait miniatures; complemented by North American Prints and Japanese prints and drawings;
Decorative & applied arts: including British, European, Central Asian and East Asian ceramics and glass, metalwork, arms and armour, sculpture, furniture, clocks and watches, textiles and fans;
Manuscripts
A major collection (bound and unbound) of illuminated manuscripts from Western Europe, Iran and India;
Archives
Printed music, literary autographs and correspondence; archives relating to the history of the museum;
Printed Books
A collection of rare early printed books from Western Europe, along with important 19th and 20th century holdings relating to art history and archaeology.
Source: Collection development policy
Date: 2021
Licence: CC BY-NC