Sir Robert Taylor

Sir Robert Taylor (1714-88) was an architect and sculptor. He bequeathed a portion of his estate to the University of Oxford 'for erecting a proper Edifice for establishing a Foundation for the teaching & improving of the European Languages'. Due to a dispute between Taylor's son and the University, it was several years before Taylor's wish could be realised. The two parties finally reached a settlement in 1835, and the Taylor Institution was founded in 1845. See the Dictionary of National Biography for details.

From the guide to the Drawings by Sir Robert Taylor, 18th century, (University of Oxford, Taylor Institution Library)