Background
COTES, Merton Russell was born on May 8, 1835 in Tettenhall, near Wolverhampton.
COTES, Merton Russell was born on May 8, 1835 in Tettenhall, near Wolverhampton.
Old College, High Street, Glasgow. Resided in Bournemouth since 1876, and has taken an active part in developing the town, mainly responsible for the construction of the Undercliff Drive and Promenade, the Sanitary Hospital, etc. Projected the idea of the direct line between Christchurch and Brockenhurst on the L. and South-west Railway.
Member of the local Board of Improvement Commissioners prior to the incorporation of Bournemouth, 1890, when he presented the mace—a replica of that presented to Wolverhampton by Queen Elizabeth. Invited to fill the Mayoral Chair in 1892 and 1893, but declined on account of illhealth. Mayor of Bournemouth, 1894-1895.
During his Mayoralty the Meyrick Park was opened, also two free libraries, and the two first schools of art in the borough. For upwards of thirty-five years his loan collection of about 250 pictures was exhibited in the Corporation Art Galleries of Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford, Nottingham, Derby, Glasgow, Bath, Oldham, Burnley, and other cities, and »many of his pictures have been borrowed for exhibition in Chicago Exhibition, the Guildhall (London), the People’s Palace (Whitechapel), the Grafton Gallery, etc. Through Mr. Choate (when American Ambassador to England) he presented to the American people an original black basalt bust of Washington made by Josiah Wedgwood, which is now in the Congressional Library, Washington.
Has travelled with his wife in many parts of the world, including South America, Australia, New Zealand,Canada, the United States of America, South and North Africa, the West Indies, China, Japan, Egypt, Palestine, Syria, Turkey, Russia, Sweden and Norway, Finland, and generally the European continent. Explored and wrote a iaper on the volcano of Mauna Loa and the great crater of Kilauea, Hawaii. Explored the Pink and White Terraces, etc., New Zealand.
In conjunction with his ivife has given to the Borough of 444 Bournemouth their residence East Cliff Hall and its art treasures, to become the RussellCotes Art Gallery and Museum, in recognition of which they were presented with the’honorary freedom of the borough, 15th July 1908. Justice of the Peace, art connoisseur and collector.
Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. Club: Royal Societies.
Spouse 1860, Annie Nelson,daughter of John King Clark, W.S., of Glasgow.