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. In 2005 the Usher Gallery was merged with Lincoln's City and County Museum to form The Collection, combining Lincoln's art and museum collections.[2][3][4][5]

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.[6] Usher is reported to have given a pin to the Prince of Wales, who was seen wearing it.[7]

Usher Gallery

References
  1. "James Ward Usher". Famous Yellowbelly. BBC. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
  2. "History of the Usher Gallery". The Collection web site. Lincolnshire council. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
  3. "Usher the collector". Lincs to the past. Lincolnshire county council. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
  4. Usher, James Ward (1900). The Collection of Objects of Art Formed By James Ward Usher of Lincoln A.D. 1886 - 1900. London: Waterlow & Sons.
  5. "History of the Museum". thecollectionmuseum.com. The Collection : Art and Archaeology in Lincolnshire. Retrieved 30 July 2019.
  6. "James Ward Usher". Lincs to the past. Lincolnshire county council. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
  7. "James Usher celebrates 175 years". Lincolnshire Life. August 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
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