The Collector

Joseph Banks embodies the adventurous spirit of the late 18th century Enlightenment, driven by a deep curiosity for nature. Raised in rural Lincolnshire, his privileged education at Harrow, Eton, and Oxford shaped his intellectual pursuits. As an affluent adult, Banks formed a significant bond with Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich, who exposed him to angling and the vibrant London club culture, further enriching his experiences and interests in both the natural world and society.