Sir Richard Wallace
Among these philanthropists, Sir Richard Wallace (1818–1890) was one of the most eclectic and reserved. Having inherited a large fortune from his father in August 1870, he decided that all Parisians should profit from it, which made him popular. Wallace's devotion led him to remain in his Parisian villa even as the city was besieged, rather than take refuge on one of his palatial estates, to be in Paris when he was needed.
He founded a hospital, where he personally welcomed victims of the bombings and distributed supplies, among his other efforts on behalf of Parisians at war. He remained faithful to his adopted nation, France, and is buried at Père Lachaise Cemetery.
Of his numerous contributions to Parisian heritage, the best known today are the fountains which bear his name.
Read more about this topic: Wallace Fountain
Famous quotes containing the words sir and/or richard:
“‘Shall we fight or shall we fly?
Good Sir Richard, tell us now,
For to fight is but to die!”
—Alfred Tennyson (1809–1892)
“If you have got the public in the palm of your hand, you can be sure that is where they want to be.”
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