Julius Wernher

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Sir Julius Charles Wernher, 1st Baronet (9 April 1850 – 21 May 1912) was a German-born Randlord and art collector who became part of the English establishment.

Wernher moved to London at the age of 21. His talent for business was spotted by a diamond dealer named Jules Porgès who sent him as his agent to the diamond mines of Kimberley, South Africa. Wernher quickly built a fortune. He returned to London where he continued to develop his business interests and developed a passion for collecting art. At the time of his death he was one of the richest men in the United Kingdom with a fortune of £11 million (then $55 million).

Wernher kept his art collection at his London mansion, Bath House in Piccadilly, and at his country house Luton Hoo. Much of it is now on display at Ranger's House in the London suburb of Greenwich. A large memorial to Wernher now flanks the entrance to the Royal School of Mines in London.