Photograph (Carbon Print) of Lewis Evans in Masonic Costume and Regalia, by William Coles, Watford, 1900s

Carbon print mounted on card within a folder, by William Coles, Watford. Signed on the mount by the photographer. Portrait of Lewis Evans, standing three-quarter length, turned to left and his head in almost perfect profile, his right hand touching a table. He is in full Masonic regalia, including apron, sash, and medals. He also wears pince-nez spectacles. The photograph is a fine carbon print in rich brown tones. The print is mounted within a card folder, the outside of which is embossed with the name and address of the photographer. Taken at about the same time and by the same photographer as a second portrait of Lewis Evans, also in the Museum's collection (Inv. 97214).

Lewis Evans (1853-1930) was the founder of the Museum of the History of Science in 1924, the basis of the foundation being his collection of sundials, astrolabes, and related early mathematical instruments. He was a high-ranking Freemason, his Times obituary stating: 'As a devoted Freemason, a member of the Lodge of Antiquity, he was well beloved, and as Provincial Grand Treasurer he was energetic in finding out as well as relieving cases of distress.'