2-982-508 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Alderman David Williams Wire, the Lord Mayor Elect - from a photograph by Mayall, 1858. 'Taking a fancy to the law as a profession, he came to London and articled himself in the office of an eminent solicitor in the City. In this position Mr. Wire made considerable progress. He was highly respected in the firm to which he was attached, and, as a reward for his intelligence and the zealous prosecution of his duties, he was advanced by degrees until he became partner in the business, and ultimately head of the firm...The worthy Alderman has long been an active advocate of educational, sanitary, and other social movements...he has done his duty in taking an active part in discussing great public questions, such as Catholic Emancipation, Parliamentary Reform, Repeal of the Com Laws, Jewish Emancipation, &c...He has also devoted his attention to prison reform; and many of the improvements in the interior economy of Newgate and Holloway prisons can be traced to his persevering advocacy...The advancement of Alderman Wire to the office of Lord Mayor for the ensuing year was to be expected from his steady progress heretofore, and from the respect in which he is held by the citizens as a diligent and active magistrate'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.