A life’s work in art: A brief history of the Usher Gallery

‘It has long been my desire and ambition to bequeath a considerable proportion of my life’s work in art to Lincoln, and I hope that it might form the nucleus of an art gallery and museum worthy of the city’.

James Ward Usher

Since opening its doors in 1927, the Usher Gallery has welcomed visitors to enjoy and experience art for over 90 years.

Established thanks to the generous donation left by local jeweller, James Ward Usher, the gallery was purpose built to house Usher’s extensive collection of watches, miniatures, porcelain and silver.

Who was James Ward Usher?

An astute businessman and avid collector, James Ward Usher devoted his life to collecting, travelling far in search of particular items to enhance his collection.

In 1921 he died at the age of 76. Five years later the Usher Gallery was completed, designed by the architect Sir Reginald Blomfield R.A.

The Usher Gallery, on Lindum Hill, was officially opened on the 25 May 1927 with a solid gold key by Prince Edward, the then Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII).