usher gallery trust

THE COLLECTIONS The collections in the Usher Gallery are diverse. The nucleus of the James Ward Usher (1845 – 1921) bequest collections include watches, clocks, miniatures, enamels, glass, silver and porcelain. Many of these pieces are of English and Continental origin. This has attracted many subsequent donations over the years. The decorative arts collections include 18th Century Derby porcelain in the Charles Norman Collection and porcelain from the Lincolnshire Torksey porcelain factory, associated with the ceramicist, William Billingsley (1758 -1828). The Horological collection of English and Continental clocks and watches, includes the period from the 17th to the 19th Centuries. The longcase clocks include the Lincolnshire clock maker Robert Sutton with its unique wooden movement, and one by the famous maker Thomas Tompion. Lincolnshire makers are well represented, including James Usher and John Stokeld. The paintings, drawings and original prints are by British and European artists dating from the 16th century to the present day. There is a nationally important collection of paintings and drawings by Peter De Wint (1784 – 1849), who lived in Lincoln, and who travelled the country extensively. The collections feature many topographical works depicting the historic County of Lincolnshire. These include important works by Thomas Girtin, J.M. W. Turner, John Carmichael and L.S.Lowry. The 18th to the 20th Centuries are represented by Lincolnshire associated artists such as George Stubbs, William Hilton, George Clausen, William Logsdail, Frank Bramley, William Tom Warrener, Charles Haslewood Shannon and Artur Lowental. There is also the important Alber Collection of 20th Century Prints and Engravings. Modern works by artists include John Piper, Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant, Ivon Hitchens, Henry Moore and Terry Frost. Portraits of Lincolnshire notables are featured which include the large portrait of the 18th Century botanist and explorer, Sir Joseph Banks, by the American born artist Benjamin West (1738 – 1820). Sculpture is featured with a fine collection of neoclassical sculpture including work by Joseph Nollekens, John Gibson and John Bacon. This is matched by 20th Century artists such as Ella Curtois, and Jacob Epstein. In the Temple Gardens, contemporary work can be seen by Michael Sandle, ‘A Mighty Blow for Freedom’, and John Creed’s gates at the entrance to the Temple Gardens. There is a growing collection of contemporary work by artists such as Grayson Perry, Clare Henshaw, Pete Moss, Gordon Baldwin, Edmund De Waal and Simone Ten Hompel. The Gallery runs a varied programme of temporary contemporary and historic exhibitions

usher gallery trust