James White, of Fordland

As the inscription on the backing board states this portrait by John Downman depicts “James White of Fordland Exeter Barrister Bencher of Linc[oln’s] Inn.” As well as pursuing a distinguished legal career, White was a member of a small group of cultural luminaries in Exeter who enjoyed literature, art, history, music and travel.

James White had a townhouse in Exeter and an occasional country residence at
Fordland near Alphington. Here he had spent much time and effort improving the
estate and landscaping the grounds.

James White had a distinguished legal career, complimented by great proficiency in the musical arts. One of his more notable achievements, however, was having his townhouse’s landscaping (a personal achievement) featured in a publication of “Picturesque Excursions in Devonshire”.