Thomas Kerrich

Thomas Kerrich (1748–1828) was a clergyman, principal Cambridge University librarian (Protobibliothecarius), antiquary, draughtsman and gifted amateur artist. He created one of the first catalogue raisonnés (for the works of artist Marten van Heemskerck).

He was born at Dersingham in Norfolk, England where his father, Samuel was the vicar. After graduating B.A. from Magdalene College, Cambridge in 1771,[1] he went on the Grand Tour where he encountered Thomas Coke. Thomas Kerrich was a Fellow of Magdalene, and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries from 1797.[1]

He collected ancient Roman coins and published papers on architecture, sepulchres and coffins.

In 1816, the Leper Chapel in Cambridge was bought and restored by Kerrich. Kerrich gave the chapel to the University, who in turn gave it the Cambridge Preservation Society in 1951. Many art galleries have works by Kerrich in their collections.

His younger daughter, Miss Francis M. Kerrich, was married on 9 December 1828 to Reverend Charles Henry Hartshorne (1802–1865); Thomas Kerrich had died earlier that year. His son was the Rev Richard Edward Kerrich (1801–1872).

References

  1. ^ a b Thomas Kerrich in Venn, J. & J. A., Alumni Cantabrigienses, Cambridge University Press, 10 vols, 1922–1958.