A native of Lincoln, he established a successful furniture, upholstery and fabric shop in Scunthorpe. He became wealthy and built up an art collection. Deeply religious, he was a member of the WM church at Winterton. The public offices he held included being Chairman both of the Hospital Board and of the Magistrates' Bench, as well as setting up charities to support sport, youth and needy people living in the Scunthorpe area. In July 1963 he established a charitable trust with substantial endowments to ensure that his ambitions would continue long into the future. He believed that through the experiences of the arts came the enrichment of both mind and spirit. This continues to have a significant influence on Lincoln through his unique collection of works of art now on display in the Usher Art Gallery.