Sir Brinsley Ford (1908-99) was a passionate collector from the age of eleven. During a long life he enriched an already important family collection with masterpieces of Italian painting. He was also a discerning patron of contemporary British artists and a pioneering scholar of the Grand Tour. Last but not least, he was a generous friend and benefactor of the National Trust. Sir Brinsley loved sharing his collection with friends and fellow enthusiasts. So it is entirely appropriate that treasures from the Ford Collection should be loaned by his son Augustine to Basildon Park in Berkshire. This richly illustrated catalogue provides the essential record of a memorable occasion.