Sir James Allanson Picton (2 December 1805 – 15 July 1889) was an English antiquary and architect who played a large part in the public life of Liverpool.

He later joined the office of Daniel Stewart, an architect and surveyor, eventually taking over the business.

William Brown provided the buildings for the library and museum in 1860.

Picton was the first chairman of the library and museum committee, which was founded in 1851, and he remained in this position until his death.

Their son also James Allanson Picton eschewed his father's architectural practice and was eventually elected as MP for Leicester.