1795 - 1869
Merchant, financier, and philanthropist, George Peabody began his career as a grocer in Massachusetts. He soon entered the warehouse business, moved to Baltimore, and began negotiating international contracts with London merchants.
By 1837, he had settled permanently in London, where he became a specialist in foreign exchange and American securities. Peabody was a popular and generous host, who served as America's unofficial ambassador to Great Britain. He supported the American display at the Crystal Palace exhibition in 1851, and went on to endow numerous educational and cultural institutions in the United States. He also funded construction of modern housing for workers in London, winning the esteem of both Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales.
Imperial salted paper print
46" x 38.9"
National Portrait Gallery 76.87 ca.1860