Leigh Stopford
Leigh Stopford (1873-1926)
1926 Obituary [1]
LEIGH STOPFORD, who died on 12th June 1926, was born at Droylsden, Manchester, on 25th March 1873, and received his education at the Heywood High School, followed by studies at the Manchester School of Technology and at Owens College.
He served his apprenticeship with Messrs. James Mills, Ltd., Engineers, Heywood, during the years 1888-1894, and on the termination of his indentures he spent two years as draughtsman with Messrs. Armstrong, Whitworth and Co., followed by a further two years in the drawing-offices of Messrs. S. Z. de Ferranti and Co., Ltd.
In 1898 he entered the drawing-office of Messrs. Hick, Hargreaves and Co., Ltd., Bolton, and thus commenced a connexion which lasted for 27 years.
He became head draughtsman in 1905 and held that position until 1913.
During the years which followed he took active part in the introduction into this country of the Hick-Breguet system of Steam Ejectairs for the production of high vacua for turbine installations, sugar refineries, distilleries, and other applications. Of the condenser and turbine auxiliary department of the Firm's business Mr. Stopford had special charge, and he was responsible for the essential details in many important installations.
Early in 1925, however, his connexion with the Firm came to an end when he became technical representative for Messrs. John Musgrave and Sons, Bolton.
He became a Member of this Institution in 1919.