C. Drury E. (Charles Drury Edward) Fortnum

Born in 1820, Charles Drury Edward Fortnum was an English art collector, historian, and major benefactor of the University of Oxford. He is often listed as C. Drury E. Fortnum, and he became especially known for his deep knowledge of ceramics, bronzes, and Renaissance works of art.

Fortnum spent years building important collections and writing serious studies of the objects he loved, especially maiolica and other decorative arts. His scholarship and collecting went hand in hand, which helped give his work lasting value beyond private ownership.

He is closely associated with the Ashmolean Museum, where many objects from his collection entered Oxford’s care, and he also served as a trustee of the British Museum. By the time of his death in 1899, he had earned a reputation not just as a wealthy collector, but as a careful researcher whose gifts and publications strengthened the public study of art.