In 1775, the two universities in England, the four universities in
Scotland, and the several colleges of Eton, Westminster, and
Winchester were given in perpetuity a copyright in books given or
bequeathed to them.
The British Museum was incorporated to hold the collections of
Robert Cotton of manuscripts, books, records, coins, and medals
and of Hans Sloane, which contained rare books, coins, precious
stones, pictures, plants, and mathematical instruments and had
been left to the public.
Italian opera was introduced in 1706 by Georg Handel on his visit
to England. His music became the standard music of Georgian
England. The Academy of Ancient Music was founded in 1710. It set
the standard of selection and performance. In existence were the
violin (including ones made by Stadivari), viola, cello, double
bass, oboe, trumpet, clarinet, bassoon, trombone, horn, flute,
harp, organ, harpsichord, in which the strings were plucked, and
piano, in which the strings are struck by little hammers.
Orchestras had at least thirty members. Many hymns were written.
Painting by artists developed. Gentlemen had portraits painted of
their horses and dogs as well as of family. Joshua Reynolds
painted the wealth and beauty of England. Painters such as
Gainsborough did landscapes and dramatic history paintings too,
but neither of these sold as well as portraits. Scenery was
painted for the theater.
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