James Mann

Sir James Gow Mann (23 September 1897 – 5 December 1962) was an eminent figure in the art world in the mid twentieth century, specialising in the study of armour. Early life and education James Gow Mann was born in Norwood, London, the only son of Alexander Mann, the eminent Scottish landscape artist, and Catherine Macfarlane Gow. He was educated at Winchester College from 1911 until 1916 when he joined the Royal Artillery. He rose to the rank of major and was involved in the Battle of Passchendaele on the Western Front and the campaign in Northern Italy, notably the Battle of Vittorio Veneto. After World War I, he undertook a degree (BA) in modern history at New College, Oxford. He continued his studies at New College, reading for a B.Litt, completing his thesis in 1922, The evolution of defensive armour in England, France and Italy during the first half of the 14th Century; an earlier interest in armour and armouries having been stimulated by visits to museums and collections in Italy while on leave from the army. A copy of his thesis can be found in the Royal Armouries Archives along with other papers, drawings and photographs.