Identity:

Sir Algernon Borthwick, 1st Baron Glenesk, was the proprietor of the Morning Post. His father Peter was the editor of the paper.

Life:

Borthwick began his career in 1852 as Paris correspondent for the Morning Post. On the death of his father in 1852, he became editor and later, in 1876, proprietor. His special interest remained foreign affairs and he was also a staunch advocate of free trade. In 1885, Borthwick was elected Conservative MP for South Kensington and he became a close ally of Lord Randolph Churchill. In addition, he was known for his support of liberal and charitable causes. He was closely connected with the theatrical world and a prominent member of the Garrick Club. The caricaturist Carlo Pellegrini, 'Ape' of the society paper Vanity Fair, painted his portrait in 1871.

He was knighted in April 1880 and became a baronet in 1887. He knew Whistler from the late 1880s on.

Bibliography:

Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford, 2004.