Funding the Ladder: The Passmore Edwards legacy

By: 

Dr Beth Breeze

publications editor

by Dean Evans

John Passmore Edwards was a nineteenth century publisher, born in Cornwall, who used his fortune to establish hospitals, convalescent homes, institutes, art galleries and museums, as well as libraries in London and Cornwall. The author (a local government official who was involved in the restoration of an early bequest, the Blackwater Institute) notes that the size of his philanthropy pales in comparison to better known names: “whereas Carnegie gave millions, Edwards gave thousands” – but that his importance lies in his philanthropic philosophy, believing that by ‘funding the ladder’ the poor might be encouraged to ‘climb’. As with many philanthropists, Edwards was also involved in great issues of his day - such as campaigns against slavery - and was a notable opponent of the Boer War. He was a supporter of the Chartist and Temperance movements, a lifelong advocate of parliamentary reform, and was briefly a member of parliament for Salisbury. According to the author, Passmore Edwards’ legacy lies in the large number of buildings, many bearing his name, that support his passionate beliefs, as well as his conviction that philanthropy can help people to escape poverty.

Francis Boutle Publishers, 2011. 268pp. Softcover. ISBN 978-1-903427-66-8. £20.00 www.francisboutle.co.uk