Lot Essay
Augustus Henry Lane-Fox (1827-1900) assumed the name of Pitt-Rivers in 1880 on eventually inheriting estates from his great uncle, George Pitt, second Baron Rivers (1751-1828). An anthropologist, archeologist and avid collector he donated his findings to Oxford University towards the end of his life in 1883 forming the Pitt-Rivers Museum.
Educated at Sandhurst, he served in the Crimea between 1851 and 1857 where he was employed in investigations as to the use and improvement of the rifle. He subsequently collected weapons and other articles illustrating the course of human invention, his collection housed in Bethnal Green and in South Kensington until it was presented to Oxford University. Living at Rushmore, Wiltshire, from 1880, he actively explored local sites of antiquity, accurately recording excavations and placing his findings in the museum at Farnham, Dorset which he built.
Educated at Sandhurst, he served in the Crimea between 1851 and 1857 where he was employed in investigations as to the use and improvement of the rifle. He subsequently collected weapons and other articles illustrating the course of human invention, his collection housed in Bethnal Green and in South Kensington until it was presented to Oxford University. Living at Rushmore, Wiltshire, from 1880, he actively explored local sites of antiquity, accurately recording excavations and placing his findings in the museum at Farnham, Dorset which he built.