Andrew J. W. Lewis

Andrew Jopp Williams Lewis (1875–1952) was a Scottish businessman who served as Lord Provost of Aberdeen.

Lord Provost Sir Andrew Lewis by Sir William Orpen

Life

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

He was portrayed by William Orpen.[8]

References
  1. "John Lewis and Sons Limited, Aberdeen: Registration of shipbuilding yard".
  2. "SS Intaba, built by Hall, Russell & co., ltd, York place, footdee, Aberdeen, 1910" (PDF). Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  3. Aberdeen Press and Journal 31 March 1927
  4. "Inflation calculator".
  5. "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.
  6. London Gazette 10 December 1929
  7. Aberdeen Press and Journal 3 February 1952
  8. "Art UK | Discover Artworks".
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