Jane Alice Weightman (1864-1937)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am an Assistant Curator for National Museums Liverpool and I am researching a Jane Alice Weightman (1864-1937) who left a large collection of Chinese ceramics to the Corporation of Liverpool upon her death in 1937. As any evidence of Miss Weightmans further interest in Chinese decorative arts has proven difficult to find I have conducted a wider search on her immediate family who were of some great significance.

Jane Alice's Grandfather John Weightman for example was an Alderman and Head of the Finance Committee, overseeing the management of the building of the Walker, St Georges Hall and Municipal Buildings. The brothers William Arthur and Septimus Rigby were prominent Liverpool Lawyers (Weightman, Peddar and Co) and another brother Alfred Ernest was a well respected fleet surgeon. The youngest brother Percy Octavious was a member of the Historical Society for Lancashire and Cheshire.

Would it be possible to find out if the society has any information regarding this family, or Jane Alice Weightman in particular? From what I have been able to uncover of the family they took an active interest in history and the arts, and several members left collections to the Museum during the first half of the 20th century - if seems unlikely that I am the first person to research this family. I am following up a number of enquiries, but once all research has been gathered I would certainly be happy to submit my findings to the society should you wish to keep a record of the Weightman family for future use/research.

Any information or advice would be greatly appreciated,

Best wishes,

Francesca

Francesca Aiken

Assistant Exhibition Curator