Notes

Dr William Frederick Purcell (1866-1919), regarded as being one of the founders of modern araneology in South Africa as well as pioneering the discovery of various frog species, was well-known for his avid collecting in various fields such as indigenous flora, which is now housed in the Kirstenbosch Compton Herbarium. In addition, Purcell amassed a substantial collection of Cape Dutch furniture and Chinese porcelain which was housed during his lifetime in the family-owned historic Bergvliet Farm, visited on several occasions by his close friend, Olive Schreiner. Moreover, he held the position of honorary curator of the Koopmans de Wet house, situated in Strand Street, and advised on the restoration of the building and the assembling of its Cape Dutch furnishings.

Provenance

The Dr William Frederick Purcell Collection, and thence by descent.