Andrew Fountaine (art collector) facts for kids
Sir Andrew Fountaine (born 1676 in Salle, Norfolk – died 4 September 1753 in Narford Hall, Narford) was an important English gentleman. He was known for being an expert on old things (an antiquarian), a big art collector, and even an amateur architect. He was the son of Andrew Fountaine M.P. and Sarah Chicheley.
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Sir Andrew Fountaine's Life and Travels
Sir Andrew Fountaine went to Eton College, a famous school, and then studied at Christ Church, Oxford university. He finished his degree in 1697. A friend of his father, William Cavendish, 2nd Duke of Devonshire, helped him get introduced to the royal court.
Meeting the King
In 1699, he was knighted by King William III. This was because he gave a special speech in Latin when the King visited Oxford the year before.
Exciting Grand Tours
Sir Andrew loved to travel and learn. He went on two "Grand Tours" of Europe. These were long trips that young, wealthy men often took to learn about art, history, and culture.
- In 1701, he traveled with Lord Macclesfield to visit the future King George I in Hanover. This trip helped him become known in royal courts across Europe.
- He wrote letters to the famous thinker Gottfried Leibniz between 1701 and 1704.
- He became friends with Cosimo III de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany when he visited Italy in 1702.
- In 1705, he visited the Dutch Republic. He used this chance to add more books and old coins to his growing collections.
Working for the Royal Family
When his father passed away in 1707, Sir Andrew was given a job in Ireland. He became friends with the famous writer Jonathan Swift, who even mentioned him in his letters.
In 1714, he went on his second Grand Tour. He collected many beautiful items like maiolica (a type of pottery), paintings, and sculptures. He collected these for himself and for the Earls of Pembroke, another important family.
Later, in 1727, he became the warden of the Royal Mint. This meant he was in charge of making coins for the country.
Designing Narford Hall
Around 1732 or 1733, Sir Andrew left London. He decided to redesign his family home, Narford Hall. He worked with a professional architect named Roger Morris on this project.
He was also very close to Caroline of Ansbach, who later became Queen. She made him her vice-chamberlain and a tutor to her third son, Prince William, Duke of Cumberland. Sir Andrew even stood in for Prince William during a special ceremony in 1725.
His Final Years
Sir Andrew Fountaine never married. He passed away in Narford in 1753 and was buried there. His amazing collection of art and historical items was so large that when it was sold in 1884, the auction lasted for four days!
His Amazing Art Collection
Sir Andrew Fountaine was famous for his huge collection of art. He had many tiny, detailed paintings called portrait miniatures. These were painted by very famous artists like Nicolas Hilliard, the Olivers (Isaac and Peter), and Samuel Cooper.
A Fire at White's
On April 28, 1733, something terrible happened. Sir Andrew had rented two rooms at White's Chocolate and Coffee House to store his large collection of miniatures. Sadly, the entire building caught fire and burned down. So many paintings were lost that people had to carefully sift through the ashes. They were trying to find and save the gold from the frames of the tiny paintings.
