James Ward ARCA

Born 17 November 1851
Died 18 May 1924

Active: 1873 - 1919

Country of birth: Ireland

Country of death: Zimbabwe

Painter, decorative artist, headmaster of art school

Born in Shankhill Road, Belfast. He was the eldest son of James Ward, a house painter and decorative artist. James studied at the Government School of Art, Belfast and the Royal College of Art where he was a scholar (1873-6). Over a ten year period he assisted Sir Edward Poynter and then Frederic, Lord Leighton on the decorations for the South Kensington Museum. In 1880 Ward was made secretary and director of evening art classes at the newly established Barnes Institute. He went on to be headmaster of the art school in Macclesfield between 1888-1907 and of the Metropolitan School of Art in Dublin from 1907-18. Ward was an innovative teacher and established new classes including painting in spirit fresco and wood carving at the art school in Dublin.

His important surviving commissions include a cycle of twelve murals painted with the assistance of senior students at Dublin City Hall (1914-19). He wrote 'The principles of ornament' edited by George Aitchison, London, Chapman and Hall, 1892 (there were several editions, this is the earliest listed in the British Library catalogue) and 'The methods of ancient and modern painting' (4 volumes, 1913–21). Ward died in Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) where he moved two years after his retirement in 1918.

'Obituary Mr. James Ward, A.R.C.A.
Former pupils and others associated with the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art will learn with regret of the death of Mr. James Ward, ARCA, formerly headmaster of the Kildare Street Institution. A thoroughly lovable man, the late Mr. Ward had a graphic way of impressing upon students the principles of art. During his 11 years as headmaster in the Dublin School of Art he had many opportunities for displaying his versatility and skill with a brush. As a teacher he was most painstaking. In this capacity he did much for the advancement of painting. He put all his energies into his work, and infused much of his enthusiasm into those who had the advantage of his tuition.

The son of a decorative artist, the late Mr Ward was born 73 yrs ago in Belfast. He was a national scholar at the Royal College of Art, 1873-76. For 8 yrs he assisted Sir Frederick (sic) Leighton and worked with that eminent artist on the well-known fresco decorations at the South Kensington Museum entitled 'Peace' and 'War'. He subsequently became a lecturer on art subjects, and exhibited several specimens of his work at the Royal Academy.

Before coming to Dublin, the late Mr. Ward was headmaster in the Macclesfield School of Art. He held that position for a period of 16 yrs, and then took charge of the School of Art in Dublin. From this post, which he filled with distinction, he retired, under the age limit, in 1918. The fresco decorations in the City Hall [Dublin] representing scenes from Irish history, are a fine example of his work.

On retiring, Mr. Ward went to reside with one of his sons at Lemon Kop, Melsettes, Southern Rhodesia, where he passed away on the 18th inst.
The late Mr Ward was the author of many textbooks. His most principal works were 'Elementary Principles of Ornament', 'Principles of Ornament', 'Report on the Art and Technical Schools of Crefield, Zurich and Lyons', 'Historic Ornament', 'Progressive Design', 'Floral Studies for Decorative Design', 'Colour Harmony and Contrast', 'Fresco Painting: its Art and Technique', 'Relation of Schools of Art to Museums', 'History and Methods of Ancient and Modern Painting', and 'Colour Decoration of Architecture'.' [undated clipping, see Headmaster's Report 1923-4]

Citing this record

'James Ward ARCA', Mapping the Practice and Profession of Sculpture in Britain and Ireland 1851-1951, University of Glasgow History of Art and HATII, online database 2011 [http://sculpture.gla.ac.uk/view/person.php?id=msib3_1216216083, accessed 29 May 2023]