The donor and his bequest

These paintings were given to the University of Aberdeen in 1863 by Alexander Henderson of Caskieben, with other paintings and sculptures, his library, and a collection of ancient Greek pottery. Henderson (c.1780–1863) studied in Marischal College and then graduated in medicine from the University of Edinburgh. He moved to London and became a well-established doctor, known for entertaining artists, painters, botanists, and others. He was a notable benefactor in North-East Scotland, supporting efforts to improve housing, education and medical care for local labourers.  He was famed for his knowledge of wines, travelled widely on the European continent, and was an accomplished linguist.

Alexander Henderson’s wealth was inherited from his father, John Henderson, who also studied in Aberdeen and Edinburgh, then migrated to Jamaica where he practised medicine and eventually bought a sugar plantation worked by slaves. This brought him the wealth to buy the house and estate of Caskieben near Aberdeen.