Percy Gardner was an influential English classical archaeologist and numismatist, renowned for his contributions to the study of ancient cultures and artifacts. He held the prestigious position of Disney Professor of Archaeology at the University of Cambridge from 1879 to 1887, before moving to the University of Oxford, where he served as Lincoln Professor of Classical Archaeology and Art from 1887 until 1925. Gardner's academic career was marked by a commitment to the rigorous study of classical antiquity, and he played a pivotal role in shaping the field of archaeology during a time of significant growth and interest in ancient history. Gardner's notable works include his extensive research on ancient coins and their historical contexts, which provided valuable insights into the economic and cultural exchanges of the ancient world. His publications, such as 'The Types of Greek Coins' and 'The Archaeology of the Classical World,' reflect his deep understanding of the material culture of Greece and Rome. Through his teaching and scholarship, Gardner influenced generations of students and scholars, leaving a lasting legacy in the disciplines of archaeology and numismatics, and contributing to the broader understanding of classical art and history.
“The English race [is..] a slow-minded race, with a strong belief in truth and righteousness, not given to the pursuit of distant ideals, but eager to do what is right in the present circumstances; a race accessible to literature and poetry, but without much feeling for art; a tolerant, quiet and manly people, with a faculty for command.”