Andrew J. W. Lewis
Sir Andrew Jopp Williams Lewis JP (1875–1952) was a Scottish businessman who served as Lord Provost of Aberdeen.
Life[edit]
He was born in the Cove district of Aberdeen on 18 April 1875 the son of John Lewis, owner of J Lewis & Co, boatbuilders, and his wife Elizabeth Williams. He was educated at Aberdeen Grammar School. He was apprenticed as a boatbuilder in his father's company around 1890. In 1907, following his father's death, he took over and renamed the company John Lewis & Sons. He expanded the business, specialising in building and repairing ship engines. They continued their business of building fishing trawlers, but updated this by building refrigerated ships.[1][2]
Around 1912 he began giving free time as Harbour Commissioner and served on the Aberdeen Harbour Board for 36 years.[2]
He joined Aberdeen Town Council in 1919 representing the ward of Ferryhill. He was elected Lord Provost in 1925 and served two consecutive two-year terms. During his time in office he raised £410,000 to fund the "Joint Hospitals Scheme" (the equivalent of almost £20 million in 2022) which resulted in a major modernisation of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Aberdeen Maternity Hospital (which were not completed until 1936).[3][4]
He stepped out of local politics in 1929 and was knighted by King George V and awarded an honorary doctorate (LLD) by Aberdeen University[5] in the same year, and on 10 December 1929 was created Deputy Lieutenant of Aberdeen.[6]
He died at home in Aberdeen on 2 February 1952.[7]
Artistic recognition[edit]
He was portrayed by William Orpen.[8]
References[edit]
- ^ "John Lewis and Sons Limited, Aberdeen: Registration of shipbuilding yard".
- ^ a b "SS Intaba, built by Hall, Russell & co., ltd, York place, footdee, Aberdeen, 1910" (PDF). Retrieved 3 August 2023.
- ^ Aberdeen Press and Journal 31 March 1927
- ^ "Inflation calculator".
- ^ "Andrew Lewis - Lord Provost of Aberdeen - Civic Advocate and Master Fund-Raiser for the Successful "Joint Hospitals Scheme" Fundraising Campaign" (PDF). Retrieved 3 August 2023.
- ^ London Gazette 10 December 1929
- ^ Aberdeen Press and Journal 3 February 1952
- ^ "Art UK | Discover Artworks".