Note 509 — INTRODUCTORY NOTE TO CHAPTER X

These portraits were among those which by custom were presented to the Headmaster of Eton by certain distinguished Etonians on leaving school. The gift of a portrait was usually made by request. A boy was considered honoured by being asked to leave his portrait to the school. The custom lapsed about forty years since. This collection was recently overhauled by Mr. Lionel Cust. It is now in fine order, carefully arranged in the Provost’s Lodge at Eton. The portraits have been engraved and collected in the form of a sumptuous volume.