James Ward Usher
James Ward Usher (1845–1921) was a businessman and philanthropist in Lincoln.[1]
Usher's father, also James, opened a Jewellers and Watchmakers in High Street, Lincoln in 1837. His son, James Ward, was born on 1 January 1845. Leaving school in 1860 the younger James entered the family business in 1860, taking sole control of the business 14 years later.[2]
Usher was an enthusiastic collector of fine clocks, watches, porcelain and paintings. His personal collection became the basis for the Usher Gallery which was founded after his death using a legacy he left for the purpose. The Usher Gallery was recently subsumed into The Collection, Lincoln's museum of art and archaeology.[2][3][4]
Usher was a successful businessman, who acquired in the late 19th century the rights to reproduce in jewellery the Lincoln Imp,[1] using the image on tie clips and spoons which sold in huge numbers.[5] Usher is reported to have given a pin to the Prince of Wales, who was seen wearing it.[6]
References
- ^ a b "James Ward Usher". Famous Yellowbelly. BBC. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
- ^ a b "History of the Usher Gallery". The Collection web site. Lincolnshire council. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "Usher the collector". Lincs to the past. Lincolnshire county council. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
- ^ Usher, James Ward (1900). The Collection of Objects of Art Formed By James Ward Usher of Lincoln A.D. 1886 - 1900. London: Waterlow & Sons.
- ^ "James Ward Usher". Lincs to the past. Lincolnshire county council. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
- ^ "James Usher celebrates 175 years". Lincolnshire Life. August 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2013.