James F. Ballard

James Franklin Ballard (July 16, 1851 – April 23, 1931) was an American entrepreneur and art collector specializing in rugs from Asia and the Middle East, and medieval prints by such artists as Albrecht Dürer. During his lifetime his art collection achieved national fame among art critics and collectors.

Art Collection The James F. Ballard late 16th Century Bursa Prayer Rug. Ottoman Period

Ballard traveled the world in search of art to buy, but most especially rugs. He traveled over 470,000 miles through Southeast Asia, China, the Caucasus Mountains, India, Northern Africa, the Middle East, and all over Europe. His travels found him in Egypt during the opening of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922.

The earliest of Ballard’s rugs are from the 10th century. Later he brought an additional two rugs, one of which featured the coat of arms of Tamerlane, the founder of the Timurid Empire. He also gave a substantial collection of rugs to the Saint Louis Art Museum.

Biography Ballard was born in Ashtabula, Ohio to James Ballard and Eliza (Heath) Ballard. His parents owned a large tract of timber land in northern Michigan near Lapere.

Ballard also owned the Henry B. Platte company of New York. He was the director of the Mechanics-American National Bank, and of its successor, the First National Bank & Union Trust Company of Saint Louis. in Saint Louis The Saint Louis Archaeological Society The Saint Louis Club The Bankers Club of New York The Salmagundi Club of New York The Economic Club of New York The Lotus Club of New York

The personal papers of James F. Ballard are housed in the archives of the Saint Louis Art Museum. One can view a description of their contents at this link. They are available to researchers by appointment.

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