James Ward Usher (1845–1921) was a businessman and philanthropist in

Lincoln Lincoln most commonly refers to: * Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865), the sixteenth president of the United States * Lincoln, England, cathedral city and county town of Lincolnshire, England * Lincoln, Nebraska, the capital of Nebraska, U.S. * Lincoln ...

. 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. Usher was an enthusiastic collector of fine clocks, watches, porcelain and paintings. His personal collection became the basis for the

Usher Gallery The Usher Gallery is an art museum in Lincoln, England. The gallery displays a collection of artworks by painters such as J. M. W. Turner and L. S. Lowry. Established in 1927, it is run as part of the Collection. History James Ward Usher wa ...

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. Usher was a successful businessman, who acquired in the late 19th century the rights to reproduce in jewellery the

Lincoln Imp The Lincoln Imp is a grotesque on a wall inside Lincoln Cathedral, England, and it has become the symbol of the city of Lincoln. A legend tells of it being a creature sent to the cathedral by Satan, only to be turned into stone by an angel. Le ...

, using the image on tie clips and spoons which sold in huge numbers. Usher is reported to have given a pin to the

Prince of Wales Prince of Wales ( cy, Tywysog Cymru, ; la, Princeps Cambriae/Walliae) is a title traditionally given to the heir apparent to the English and later British throne. Prior to the conquest by Edward I in the 13th century, it was used by the rulers ...

, who was seen wearing it. Usher Art Gallery - geograph

References

External links

private web site about Usher
{{DEFAULTSORT:Usher, James Ward People from Lincoln, England English art collectors Museum founders 1845 births 1921 deaths People educated at Lincoln Grammar School