Benjamin John Fletcher, 1868-1951

Benjamin John Fletcher was born in Ironbridge, Shropshire, on the 13th March 1868. At the age of 11 he started work as an errand boy at the local Coalbrookdale Iron Company. It appears that he also undertook lessons in art, for by the age of 17 he was advanced enough to have a part-time teaching post at the Coalbrookdale School of Art under Principal Augustus Spencer.

In 1888 Spencer was appointed Head Master of the Leicester School of Art and brought Fletcher, then 20 years old, to be his Deputy. When Spencer left in 1900 Fletcher was made Head Master. His impact on the School was immediate. He travelled in Europe to study art and design teaching, in particular their relationship with industry. On his return he began to foster close links between the School and local industries.

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