Sir William Forbes, 6th Bt
(1739-1806), Banker and benefactorSitter in 5 portraits
Brought up in dignified poverty, Forbes worked his way up from apprentice to partner at Coutts Bank, and at twenty-four was head of his own banking-house. Private banks were multiplying in the second half of the eighteenth century, due to industrial and commercial growth, and Forbes accumulated significant wealth. An exceptionally generous benefactor, much of it was given to various charitable establishments in Edinburgh, including the workhouse, five hospitals, two asylums and a school.
by James Ward, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint, 1800 (1786)
NPG D37724
by John Kay
etching, 1806
NPG D18673
by John Kay
etching and aquatint, 1806
NPG D16504
by Samuel William Reynolds, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint, 1820 or after
NPG D15390
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