Musgrave, William, Sir, 1735-1800

Sir William Musgrave (1735-1800) was an administrator, print collector, and antiquary. He was involved with numerous cultural societies, including the Royal Society where he became a member in 1774 and in 1780 was appointed one of the society's vice-presidents. In 1778 he was elected a fellow of the Society of Antiquariest; he also served as one of the visitors of the Royal Observatory. Musgrave was known as one of the foremost collectors of engraved British portrait prints; his collection, along with those of Horace Walpole and James West, would form the basis of James Granger's Biographical History of England (1769). He also made numerous catalogs concerning British portraiture but is best known for his "A general nomenclator and obituary", a bibliography of obituaries.

From the description of Memoranda for additions to Lord Orford's Anecdotes of painting in England / H.E., 1822. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 702125725