Usher Gallery

About the museum

The Usher Gallery was funded by James Ward Usher, a Lincoln jeweller and watchmaker born in 1845. He took over the family business in 1874 and became well known for selling jewellery based on the Lincoln Imp, a figure from the cathedral. Alongside his trade he was a passionate collector of ceramics, clocks and watches, coins, silver, enamels and miniatures.

When Usher died in 1921 he left his collections to the city, together with a large sum of money for a gallery to house them. He hoped the bequest would form the core of an art gallery and museum worthy of Lincoln. The building was designed by the architect Sir Reginald Blomfield and was opened on 25 May 1927 by the Prince of Wales, who used a solid gold key.

The gallery stands on Lindum Road beside Temple Gardens. A major redevelopment in 2010 added a glass pavilion entrance with full access and a lift to the upper galleries. Today the permanent displays cover fine art, decorative arts and horology, supplemented by loans from national collections and a programme of temporary exhibitions. Sculpture is shown both indoors and in the gardens. The gallery is run by Lincolnshire County Council together with its neighbour, Lincoln Museum, which is currently closed for redevelopment, so the gallery is presently the place to visit on this site.

Highlights

• Portrait of Joseph Banks by Benjamin West and Lincoln views by L.S. Lowry and Peter DeWint
• James Ward Usher's founding collection of clocks, watches, miniatures, ceramics and silver
• Vases by Grayson Perry and 18th century Staffordshire and Battersea enamels
• Tide, a chandelier made from washed-up plastic by Stuart Haygarth
• Sculpture in the gallery and in Temple Gardens, including A Mighty Blow for Freedom by Michael Sandle

Permanent exhibition

• Usher Gallery permanent collections – Displays of British and European paintings, drawings and prints, sculpture, ceramics, silver, enamels and jewellery, and clocks and watches from the 17th to 19th centuries.

Founded

1927

Operated by

Lincolnshire County Council

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free. Tickets for some events and activities can be booked online.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The main entrance is a glass pavilion reached by a ramp, and a public lift serves the upper floor. There is an accessible toilet in the entrance foyer. A portable hearing loop is available at the reception. Wheelchairs can be borrowed at reception and seating is provided throughout. Assistance dogs are welcome and water can be provided. Four disabled bays are in the pay and display car park on Danes Terrace, opposite the entrances. Labels for temporary exhibitions are available in large print on request, and lighting is sometimes lowered to protect the displays.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The site describes itself as a family-friendly destination with activities and events for all ages. The free Play activity centre for young children belongs to the museum, which is currently closed.

Getting there & parking

The gallery and Lincoln Museum are neighbours on the same site. The postal address of the combined organisation is Danes Terrace, Lincoln, LN2 1LP.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Museum shop

The Muse Coffee Bar is temporarily closed during the redevelopment of the museum. The small shop at the gallery pavilion sells exhibition catalogues, postcards, prints, cards and gifts.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The Clore Education Room (60 square metres) in the Usher Gallery can be hired. Other hire spaces are in the museum.

Plan your visit