‘And so the idea of the Collection was born’: The Macpherson Collection of Maritime Prints from its Inception to the First Display at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich

The Macpherson Collection of Maritime Prints at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, is more than a repository of art—it played a pivotal role in shaping Britain’s national identity during the 19th century. Silvia Massa demonstrates that these prints were instrumental in reinforcing perceptions of British sea power and influenced public discourse on nationalism. The collection’s significance shifts with curatorial practices, revealing how museums shape historical narratives. This study analyzes the collection’s inception, its first display, and evolving interpretations to highlight its broader cultural impact.

Massa, S. (2022). ‘And so the idea of the Collection was born’: The Macpherson Collection of Maritime Prints from its Inception to the First Display at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich. Art and the Sea, 91–112. https://doi.org/10.3828/liverpool/9781802070200.003.0005