Details

cc00075

Sir Walter Besant

Daniel A. Wehrschmidt (artist)‎

Sir Walter Besant was admitted as a pensioner to Christ's College, Cambridge, where he graduated in 1859 as 18th Wrangler. After a year as Mathematical Master at Rossall School, Fleetwood, Lancashire and a year at Leamington College, he spent 6 years as Professor of Mathematics at the Royal College, Mauritius. Poor health compelled him to resign, and he returned to England and settled in London during 1867. From 1868 to 1885 he had the job of Secretary to the Palestine Exploration Fund. During 1871, he was admitted to Lincoln's Inn.

Sir Walter Besant during 1855, he was admitted as a pensioner to Christ's College, Cambridge, where he graduated in 1859 as 18th wrangler. After a year as Mathematical Master at Rossall School, Fleetwood, Lancashire and a year at Leamington College, he spent 6 years as Professor of Mathematics at the Royal College, Mauritius. Poor health compelled him to resign, and he returned to England and settled in London during 1867. From 1868 to 1885 he had the job of Secretary to the Palestine Exploration Fund. During 1871, he was admitted to Lincoln's Inn.

The etching is a copy of a portrait,retained by the Besant family. It is signed by the artist, Daniel A.Wehrschmidt and also by John Pettie and by Besant himself. The original was exhibited at the R.A. 1887 (The date shown on the etching). This etching was presented to the college by Mr E.A.Greswell, Secretary of the Oxford University Appointments Committee, Feb 1939; Mr Greswell's uncle had received it as a gift from Besant.

19th century