Then a link with Belgium isn't new
That famous battle left a mark
A high point on our history chart!
The date? 1815 of course
Victory for the Allied force
Led by the Duke of Wellington:
Napoleon was on the run!
The Wilsons had a son* that year
Born in Belgium it was clear
They had to mark this great event;
Baptised John Waterloo, this meant
A destiny which matched the name
This Patron of the Arts became
With business acumen and flair
A cotton mill entrepreneur.
With Belgian and French expertise
His art collection grew with ease
150 oeuvres put on display -
King Leopold came Vaux-Hall way!
27 works from different schools
He offered Brussels – but with rules
To be arranged for public view:
French, Dutch, German, English too.
In gratitude for such largesse
And at his death Gold Franc bequest
His proud family can claim
A Brussels street** now bears his name!
(c) Poet in the woods 2015
*John Waterloo Wilson - born May 16th, 1815- died August 12th, 1883
** Rue John Waterloo Wilson - 1000 Brussels (since 1919)
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