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marble bust on square brown marble pedestal

Four years before his death, a Bishop’s Testimonial Committee was established to raise funds to commission a bust of Fraser from Warrington Wood. This was presented to the council by Alderman Henry Patteson in October 1881. When the bust was handed over, only one critical voice was to be heard among the conventional declarations of thanks; that was of Charles? Rowley who expressed disappointment that the sculptor had not succeeded in capturing the Bishop’s full force of characer.(1) (2) It wasaccepted 5 October 1881.

James Fraser (1818-1885) was born in Prestbury, Gloucestershire, the son of a retired India merchant. He was educated at Bridgnorth and Shrewsbury before entering Oxford University in 1836. He was ordained in 1846 becoming curate at Colderton, Wiltshire. Fraser continued his connection with Oxford University, he had been elected a fellow of Oriel College in 1840, becoming a chaplain and examiner. In 1860 he became rector of the small rural parish of Upton Norvet, Berkshire. His interest in elementary education resulted in him being appointed a commissioner in the government enquiry into foreign education systems. In 1870, following the death of James Prince Lee, Fraser was appointed as Manchester's second bishop. The Manchester diocese contained over two million people and 800 clergy. He was virtually unknown in the city but his straightforwardness, simplicity and sincerity soon struck a chord with Lancashire people. He gave up the bishop's out-of-town residence, Mauldeth Hall, moving closer to the centre to be with the people. A man of wide sympathies, his willingness to listen and to find common ground with those with whom he disagreed, were qualities which enabled him to move across both religious and social boundaries. All this was in contrast to his predecessor. Suspicion towards Fraser turned into admiration, and in the following years the country rector became the 'Bishop of All Denominations'. His death on 22 October 1885, brought trading to a halt on the Cotton Exchange.

circa

raw year

Condition

At risk

Inscriptions

Signatures

Bust

Marble

83cm high

Pedestal

Marble

131cm high

No damage

None

None