The following information is from the 'Online Collections at University of Birmingham' website:
"ID number: BIRRC-A0010
Institution: Research and Cultural Collections
Named collection: Campus Collection of Fine and Decorative Art
Artist / Maker: Williamson, F. J.
Title / Object name: Portrait bust of Sir Josiah Mason
Object type: Sculpture
Date made: 1881
Materials: Plaster, painted pale terracotta
Measurements: 76.2 cm high
Josiah Mason was born in 1795 in Kidderminster. He began working as a purveyor and manufacturer of split rings for machinery but in 1829, having purchased his own factory, he began to manufacture steel pen nibs. By 1874 his business was the largest of its kind in existence and a year later it was sold. As well as his professional activities, Mason also devoted a lot of his time and money to charitable causes, one of which was Mason Scientific College which was later absorbed as part of Birmingham University. He died in 1881." (
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In the 19th Century Sir Josiah founded the Sir Josiah Mason Orphanage in Erdington, which at that time was one of the poorest parts of the city of Birmingham.
Another example of his philanthropy is the Sir Josiah Mason Trust which as trustee of 5 charities, today, helps to support "those most in need in the West Midlands." (
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