Sir Thomas William Holburn, 5th Baronet

With this he undertook a Grant Tour of post-Napoleonic Europe in 1824 by going through France and travelling around Italy, where he obtained many of his current possessions now housed in the Holburne Museum.

His travel during this period was a formative time in terms of developing and defining his taste as a collector of art.

[2] William's main source of income was a £500 annuity which came from his wealthy aunt, Catherine Cussans (1753–1834), sister to Sir Francis.

With this newfound wealth he amassed a collection of paintings, silver, plate, miniatures, fine china and books.

William collected and inherited family treasures (Chinese armorial porcelain, silver and portraits) along with 17th and 18th century silver and porcelain items, Italian maiolica and Renaissance bronzes, old master paintings, portrait miniatures, books and furniture and a variety of other smaller items including Roman glass, coins, enamels, seals, gems and snuff boxes.