Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Hi, are you all aware of the Accrington man, Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington, who was responsible for the world famous collection of Tiffany Glass in Haworth Art Gallery?
Will include more details later, off to work now.

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Was he not a personal secretary or something to Tiffany.There was something mentioned on the Antiques Road Show

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Yes, he progressed from "brew boy" to being Tiffany's right hand man. Quite an achievement.

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Information on this post all relates to Joseph Briggs father, who was also called Joseph and was born abt 1843 in Accrington.
On 1851 Census he was a Scholar, living at St James Street, Accrington
On 1861 Census he was a Hand Engraver, living at 10, Dutton Street, New Accrington
On 1871 Census he was a Hand Engraver, to Calico Printer living at 3 Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
On 1881 Census he was Engraver In Calico Printers, living at 1 Milnshaw Lane, Accrington, Lancashire
On 1891 Census he was Foreman Engraver Calico Printer living at 1 Milnshaw Lane, Accrington, Lancashire
On 1901 Census he was Foreman Engraver Calico Works living at Sunny Bank, Church, Lancashire
Joseph Briggs married a girl called Elizabeth (maiden name unknown) probably before 1862.

They had the following children
*Richard Ashworth Briggs born 11 November 1862 (Apprentice Engraver in 1881)
*Robert Briggs born 13 February 1864 married a Clara Duff (Calico Printer's Engraver 1891) lived at 2 Milnshaw Lane and had a child Richard A Briggs
*Sarah Briggs born 28 August 1866
*Elizabeth Ellen Briggs born abt 1870
*Joseph Briggs (See photo at top of thread) Born 1873
*Alice Ann Briggs born abt 1877 married Albert Hoyle in 29 April 1896 at Church
*Martha Briggs born Abt. 1882

There are various passenger entries for Joseph's (senior) visit to his son Joseph (junior) in USA
8 October 1894 Etruria (Liverpool to New York)
6 August 1904 S.S. Campania (Liverpool 30th July 1904 to New York 6th Aug 1904)

Joseph (junior see photo above) married an american lass called Elizabeth
They had the following children
Joseph Ashworth Briggs born Abt. 1899 USA
Nola? Briggs born Abt. 1900 USA
On the 1901 Census the family lived at Sunny Bank, Church, Lancashire

OK so that's the boring family history bit out the way.
If anyone has additional data, please let me know

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

So you think you know your Tiffany glass. Try out this Antiques Roadshow Quiz
*** http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/roadsh...e35/intro.html

Recommended Links if you want to know more :-
*** http://mkg-hamburg.de/ausstell/98_tiffa/tiffanye.htm
*** http://www.metmuseum.org/explore/Tiffany/listsgw.htm
*** http://www.accringtonobserver.co.uk/.../article_id=28
*** http://www.kaleden.com/articles/2577.html

Other links and exxamples of the stunning pieces they created:-
http://www.ruthannzaroff.com/Tiffany4.htm
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/pomegran...inedglass.html
http://www.artcyclopedia.com/artists...s_comfort.html


I am sure you can find more...

Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Hi, interesting stuff you have posted Weary Tourist. You mention the father Joseph living at Sunny Bank (which is still there, its by the approach road to the old Joseph Arnold factory, near the garage at the bottom of Dill Hall Lane). Here is a lovely family group photo taken outside that very house (c1901). It is understood that Joseph (Tiffany) was feeling homesick around this period and had come back to England on this trip with every intention of settling down, but ... they did go back to America after all. Their children were Joseph Ashworth Brigggs (who died at an early age) - Viola - Helen - Alice - Ruth and Joseph Ashworth II.
Between the late 1880's and 1918, Tiffany products were at the height of fashion. They were created by Joseph's boss Louis Comfort Tiffany and quickly became part of the "Art Nouveau" vogue. The glassware produced during this period ranks as some of the most technically brilliant work ever produced. After World War I views on art altered, and the superb work created at the Tiffany Studio was thought of as outmoded and even repulsive! Tiffany did not like the new trends, and in 1924 he handed over the running of his company to the Accrington born Joseph Briggs! In 1928 Tiffany withdrew his financial support and the production of Tiffany ended. In the early 30's Joseph Briggs had the unpleasant task of trying to dispose of the company's remaining stock, this is when Accrington benefited, for the sent three case loads of the glassware back home to Accrington - approx. 140 pieces were presented to the Corporation of Accrington. A similar amount were supposedly sent to relatives, but how true this is, no-one knows, although one piece did turn up on the Antiques Roadshow when it visited Accrington in 1995.
The collection is now recognised as one of the most important collections of Tiffany glass in the world.
One of the sons, Joseph Ashworth II, visited Accrington in 1992 and presented Haworth Art Gallery with family owned oil painting of his famous father. I was privileged to meet him.

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

You was priveliged then.Nice piece Atarah.Just goes to show how far the reaching hand of Accrington gets around the world

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

I must say that I enjoy your posts Atarah

I just noticed that I omitted another passenger entry for Joseph (Senior) to USA also thought it might be useful to show the sort of information that can be obtained :-

Ellis Island entry records Joseph Briggs as Complexion Fair, Hair Grey, Eyes Grey, Height 5ft 9 inches.
Joseph arrived with daughter Martha Briggs in New York on 28 Jul 1912 on board the S.S. Caronia departure from Liverpool on 20th July 1912, destination son Joseph Briggs Woodridge, N.J.

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

I'm going to stick my neck out here and put names to faces from that group photograph.

Thats obviously JB senior in the middle of the Piccy.....the question is, which one is JB the engraver....it could be either of the two guys on the back left or the two on the back right (we can rule out the middle two because there's no facial resemblane whatsoever to the piccy of JB as a older guy, above)..

So it's one out of 4..which? The answer is JB the engraver is the guy stood on the far right of the piccy, holding his own son, also JB, born two years previously...that's his wife Elizabeth sat in front of him holding his daughter Nola, born 1900.

I think I can name a few more, but I got to run for a hour or so...

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Thanks for that description. Never knew that before. I have to say, I admire your family history knowledge, I didn't even know about Ellis Island Records. Martha was Joseph's aunt and I have a copy of her diary on that particular trip to see Joseph in America.

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Tealeaf, you are GOOD. Yep, thats our Joseph at the far right of the photo, the daughter's name is actually Viola. You will know that particular building I assume?

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Somewhere amongst my details I do have all the names of the people on the photo. I will look it up sometime.

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Atarah, before you name names on the piccy - let me have a go, based on the information already provided above.
Family or Group photographs in Victorian/Edwardian times usually followed a formalised set of rules relating to the status or pecking order of those in the photo..let me try and work out "who's who" and see if that matches with what you've got.

Like everyone in Church, I do know the house (from the outside)...interestingly, you wonder if such a photo would be taken now, given the fact the subjects would be staring into the side of the Express Gifts Monsterous warehouse.

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

OK Atarah...here goes:

Back row, reading left to right:

Richard Briggs - husband of Sarah Briggs - husband of Elizabeth briggs - Martha Briggs - Albert Hoyle - Robert Briggs - Joseph briggs.

Front row, left to right:

Wife of Richard Briggs - Sarah Briggs - Elizabeth Briggs - Briggs Senior - Elizabeth Briggs (wife of Briggs senior) - Alice Briggs - wife of Robert briggs - Elizabath Briggs (wife of J J.Briggs, junior)


Lots of brats at the front.

OK Atarah - see how many I got wrong!

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

You can view original records for Ellis Island here :-
http://www.ellisislandrecords.org/

Signup is free, a donation is suggested.
I have used this database a lot for the Liverpool to NY run.
The nice thing is you get to know colour of eyes etc for your 'relies'.

I found care was required as a 'full' record is often a combination of two separate pages, or images. So you have to working out whether you need to go forward or backwards to get the other image. It's a bit like joining up wallpaper strips, if that makes sense.
=========
Of course http://www.cyndislist.com/ships.htm has a many links to passenger lists to other ports in different countries around the world.
=========
Nola Briggs was my interpretation of the handwriting. It would seem that Viola Briggs would fit the bill.
=========
Atarah you are very fortunate to have a copy of Martha's diary for the trip. Are you related in some way to the Briggs, I wonder ???

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Hi, to Tealeaf, now now, whats going on here? I never mentioned Albert Hoyle, so how the hecky thump do you know that ....Hi to Weary Tourist, thanks for the info. re Ellis Island. I will certainly look at that. No, not related, but answered an ad. in Accrington Observer many years ago from two Canadian ladies who wanted to pursue their Accrington roots. From then on, things just "fell at my feet" in connection with the Briggs "saga".

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Hi Atarah....Albert Hoyle gets a mention on Post no 4 on this thread (Weary's post)..he marries into the family.

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Tealeaf, cant find my details yet, but ... Albert Hoyle, who was a brilliant violinist (had his own band here in Accrington as well) is actually on the back row, but next to the baby, being held by Joseph Briggs. What I find fascinating is the fact that the skills of Albert Hoyle have been passed down through the generations, one rellie in Canada is in a huge dance band over there, playing the violin and a grandchild of that same rellie is brilliant at playing, and she's only 16 - all through an Accrington man! Marvellous! In fact I believe its Albert Hoyle's violin that is still being used!

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Well, I was close....I reasoned that Hoyle would be in the photograph but I had the guy nest to Briggs as being one of his brothers - there appeared to be a family resemblance there. I made Hoyle one of the two men in middle - and I chose the right one because the lady I made out as Alice Briggs looks the right age for the piccy, given her birth date. However, the lady next to Viola appears to be around the same age...

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Albert Hoyle's family tree

1. Jacob Hoyle born abt. 1822 (Calico Printer, Abbey Street, 1851)(Breadbaker 1861 and 1871)
+ Alice born abt. 1823 Accrington

1.1 George Henry Hoyle born abt. 1846 (Joiner,18 Black Abbey St, 1881)
+ Mary Ann Rawcliffe born abt. 1844 Padiham, married 1868 (Cotton Winder, 86 Pitt Street, 1861)
1.1.1 Albert Hoyle b 1871 (Foundry Labourer 1891, Labourer at Calico Printworks 1901)
(lived at 43 Union St 1881, 12 Percy Street 1901)
+ Alice Ann Briggs born abt. 1877 married 29.4.1896 Church
1.1.1.1 George William Hoyle born abt. 1898

1.2 Sarah E Hoyle born abt. 1850

I am definitely interested, please outline what happened to his branch.
What was the band called? Where did he play?

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

When Joseph Briggs visited Accrington in 1992, when Atarah met him I took a video of them together.

Just been talking to her tonight about it.

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Joseph Briggs married Elizabeth Jenkins of Virginia
They had:
Viola
Joseph Jr (died at 1year)
Helen
Alice
Ruth
Joseph A Briggs born in 1914

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

I have recently read that the first child baptised at the new (1868) St John's Church, Accrington, was John Priestley Briggs. This lad's father, also John was brother to Joseph (Tiffany) Briggs' father, Joseph.
His mother was a Priestley. There are several Priestleys mentioned in 'Accrington men of Mark' ( but no Briggs)so maybe what brass they appear to have had came from her side. - their children went to boarding school and young John became an architect in London.

It interests me that John and young Joseph ( Tiffany) displayed similar characteristics - an ability wih design and drawing. I am looking further into John's career.
I don't know where the family lived in 1868, but in 1871 they were in Newark St, on the border with Church. A long way from St John's. The family had previously lived in St James St.

There has been another thread recently about the Briggs family, but it appears not to be this one - or could be after several generations.

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

There is Jeff/Geoff Briggs of the same family ( Tiffany) who lives on Owen St and goes to Accy Stanley.I think he is the 3x great grandson.

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

I have just spoken to him -Ramsbottom St, not Owen-. Yes, he is from the Tiffany line but isn't specially interested in family history. However, my call was not wasted, as I learned that he attended the Grammar School, so I got him onto the Old Boys register. He told me of a cousin who is also an AGSOB, so that's another recruit. Thanks Greeny.

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Sorry for incorrect address , but glad it was of help.

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Some research on John Priestley Briggs reveals that after leaving Clitheroe RGS he went to Cheltenham College. There followed periods being articled to famous architects John Henry Middleton & Frank Matcham. He became a fellow of the Royal Institutre of British Architects in 1905 and took up private practice in 1906. For much of his career he worked on theatres, probably influenced by Matcham, recognised as the finest architect in that field. He gets a page or so in 'London at the Opening of the 20th Century' by Pike, but perhaps that indicates that he paid to be included.

Clearly a Man of Mark.

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Atarah time has passed since this post. . .does the diary mention anything about Elzabeth and her family or even of her daily activities. She is a cousin very much loved by Great Grandmother whom she was named after. . .

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Gosh, lovely that this thread has been "awakened". To be honest, havent a clue where all my Tiffany Briggs stuff is, but will have a search. The photocopied diary should be amongst it all.

Atarah

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Atarah. When they did a TV Antiques programe at Howarth Art Gallery featuring the Tiffany ware, they were somewhat surprised to find that little old ladies were turning up in their droves with wonderful examples. I found it very funny, for he must have had rather a lot of lady friends. Frank

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Hey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What are you saying! tee hee

It was 1933 when Joseph Briggs sent his cargo of Tiffany Glass back to England. He gave approx. 140 pieces to "the people of Accrington" and some to his family who were of course living still in the area. The family of course "went forth and multiplied", hence the "offspring" turning up with "family heirlooms".

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Hi I have just signed up in the hope that someone could help me. My Great Grandmother was Susannah Briggs from Grindleton. Her father was William Briggs 1833- 1902 and his father was Richard Briggs. 1795 -1886. my mother who is from Accrington remembers Joseph and believed he was a relative. As yet I have not been able to establish a link other than the name. If anyone has any info I would be very pleased.
Does anyone remember my grandparents? They were Janey and Douglas Barlow. They had a shop that sold baths and toilets, he also worked at the Burco factory. Their house was right next to the hospital. I find the Barlow family difficult because there are so many of them!

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Hi, my first thought is "maybe not related" but to be honest dont really know without looking at the family tree I have somewhere in my home.
Do you know where the Barlow shop was. I am gonna take a guess and say was it on Abbey Street and was he once a Mayor of Accrington?

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Carolanne. I suggest that you join the Lancashire Family History Society, even if for one year only.That will get your name in the quarterly magazine, along with your family interests which will attract anyone else looking at Briggs to correspond with you. Get yopurself allocated to the Hyndburn branch which will further advertise your interest, thiough you might choose Ribble Valley instead. Also join the society's Yahoo forum. Posting your search on there will bring responses within an hour.You can visit the society's workroom/library in Oswaldtwistle every Saturday or Thursday afternoon and receive first-class help from experts. Find the society via it's website. Having Tiffany Briggs in your tree is a big help in searching and people's willingness to help.

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Hi
I don't know Accrington, but I did go there when I was a child.It was near a railway arch (like Corrie). James Barlow the 2nd Mayor was my GGG uncle. I think he part owned the Nori Brickworks and Moorfield pit. He was the son in law of Sir George McAlpine.
I suspect the Briggs link perhaps goes further back.

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

There are few of Accrington's Men of Mark who stand taller than James Barlow who was 'ever kind to the poor'. I wouldn't say that he married for money, but certainly put his love where there was a bit. I think it likely that Barlow Street, off Blackburn Rd alongside Sacred Heart Church was named after him, though there have been other Barlows prominent in the town. He died aged 80 in 1897.

Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

My mums maiden name was Briggs her dad was called Arthur Briggs he used to have a barbers shop at the very bottom of Bold St he sadly passed away in the early forties so me and my siblings never got to meet him.

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

This thread was lying asleep for over two years before Marl's posting last week - WOW.

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

To orientate those interested, there were three Joseph Briggs

Grandfather
Joseph Briggs 1813-1846 Engraver (married Susan Earnshaw 1814-1890)

Father
Joseph Briggs 1842-1921 Hand Engraver (married Elizabeth Ashworth 1841-1912)

Son
Joseph Briggs 1873-1937 Connected with Louis Comfort in USA who produced Tiffany Glass (married Elizabeth Jenkins 1879-1959)

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

The grave and final resting place for Joseph Briggs (1873-1937) can be seen here along with photos

Joseph Briggs (1873 - 1937) - Find A Grave Memorial

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Thanks for this - nobody stands higher on the podium of honour to Accrington that Joseph Briggs.

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Joseph I was buried in Machpelah along Hyndburn Road and his remains are in Accy Cemetery. (his headstone was one of the ones removed to New Lane, Ossy). Joseph II is in Accy Cem, next to my own family vault. When he came over to visit in 1993 I took him to see if for the very first time in his life. Joseph III, as you say, is buried in America.

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Hyndburn Council provide a good outline for Louis Comfort (Tiffany Glass) and Joseph Briggs. For those who wish to learn more.

The following links were valid at the time of this post.

1. Hyndburn Council - Main Site
http://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/

In case the links break, search for "Louis Comfort", or "Joseph Briggs". Should lead to links to Haworth Art Gallery Information sheets


2. Haworth Art Gallery Information sheet for Louis Comfort is here:-
http://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/downloa..._Time_Line.pdf

3. Haworth Art Gallery Information sheet for Joseph Briggs is here:-
http://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/downloa...EPH_BRIGGS.pdf

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

In the Haworth Art Gallery Information sheet it records that Joseph Briggs (1842-1921) owned houses in Milnshaw Lane. Numbers 1,3,5 and 7.

It might be interesting to point out that there were no Briggs in Milnshaw Lane on the 1841 Census.

On the 1841 Census there is a Richard Ashworth (stone mason) born about 1808 Huncoat. Now I believe he dies about 1874. His daughter Elizabeth Ashworth (1841-1912) marries Joseph Briggs (1842-1921).

So you might speculate that the Briggs move into Milnshaw by marrying Richard Ashworth's daughter. Their first living son on 1871 census is Richard Ashworth Briggs.

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

I think you may find the Briggs family were in St James Street if I remember correctly in 1841 census

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Atarah is correct.

Joseph Briggs 1813-1846 was indeed in St James Street on 1841 Census occupation Engraver.

The next Joseph Briggs 1842-1921 is only 4 years old when his father dies. A bit young to have acquired engraving skills from his father.

Joseph Brigg's mother Susan (nee Earnshaw) re-marries 29 Jan 1853 Stephen Sutcliffe following the death of her first husband.

On 1861 Census Stephen Sutcliffe is the head of the household at 10 Dutton Street and is a Machine Engraver. Joseph at the age of 18 is living with Stephen and has now acquired the skill of a hand engraver.

In less than a year he will marry Elizabeth Ashworth who's father Richard Ashworth (stone mason) is living at 1 Milnshaw.

So I suspect that Richard Ashworth and his daughter are the key to the Briggs dynasty arriving in Milnshaw Lane.

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

I'm just curious to know if the Elizabeth you mention here is Joseph Briggs' wife?

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Is there any chance of seeing Martha Briggs diary? I am following Joseph Briggs' life story (he is a distant relative) and wondered if she said anything about the family he married into in the US. Suggestions welcome!

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Hello, The diary is in the possession of a relative in England. Could you tell me how you are related. I have a contact who would be very interested to hear of your connection. A brand new book about Tiffany and the Briggs family is due out later this year.

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

I know a Briggs descendant who appears not to be interested in him. I find this sad

Re: Joseph Briggs, of Milnshaw Lane, Accrington
 

Lancashire Life - August 2015 issue

Lancashire Life have given Doug Jackson a nice double-page spread (pages 106/7) in the August issue regarding his book on Joseph Briggs of Accrington and Tiffany glass.

http://www.wcmt.org.uk/fellows/news/...nglish-tiffany