Frank Wigglesworth
Frank Wigglesworth (1868-1939)
1939 Obituary [1]
"FRANK WIGGLESWORTH made a study of the mechanical transmission of power and the practical application of friction clutches, and he carried out research on all forms of bearings.
He was born in 1868 and received his general education at Bradford. He served as an apprentice in the engineering department of the Bradford Technical College between 1882 and 1886. From 1887 to 1889 he was engaged as a draughtsman at the works of Messrs. Greenwood and Batley, Ltd., Leeds, and in 1890 he took over the position of chief draughtsman to Messrs. Scott Brothers, Halifax. In 1892 he was appointed chief draughtsman and assistant manager to Messrs. Croft and Perkins, Ltd., Bradford, and he superintended the construction of new works for this company.
He founded his own company, Messrs. Frank Wigglesworth and Company, Ltd., in 1903, and ten years later he was personally responsible for the layout of their new plant. He was chairman of the firm until he died on 15th May 1939. In early life he had acted as an instructor in the engineering department of Bradford Technical College, and he later served on the advisory committee of the department. He was closely associated with Professor G. F. Charnock, M.I.Mech.E., in the preparation of his book, "The Mechanical Transmission of Power", and of his paper, "Bearings for Line Shafting", which was read before the Institution in 1929. Owing to the death of Professor Charnock, this paper was presented by Mr. Wigglesworth, who also replied to the discussion. He was elected an Associate Member of the Institution in 1898 and was transferred to Membership in 1922."