Briggs and Wolstenholme

A partnership begun in Blackburn in 1892 which had established a second office in Liverpool by 1896.

From 1900 their contractual arrangements with the Liverpool architects Frederick Brice Hobbs and Arnold Thornely are less clear. Hobbs and Thornley may have been in a formal partnership but equally may have shared office accommodation. In that year they requested to be allowed to compete in the competition for the Dock Offices. This was granted and they were subsequently joined by Briggs and Wolstenholme.

In that year Briggs and Wolstenholme of Lord Street Liverpool were awarded first premium in the competition for the Dock Offices with F B Hobbs and Arnold Thornley of Castle Street named as joint architects. In 1901 Hobbs and Thornely moved to 51 North John Street. The Royal Academy Exhibition catalogue of 1903 records an entry by Briggs, Wolstenholme, Hobbs & Thornely of 51, North John Street, Liverpool. However, the RIBA Kalendar for 1904 lists this as the address of Arnold Thornely with Briggs and Wolstenholme still occupying separate offices at 3 Lord Street, Liverpool.  

In 1906 or 1907 Arnold Thornely is believed to have entered a formal partnership with the original partners under the style “Briggs Wolstenholme and Thornely. (qv)