Herbert Bryans (1855-1925) had an interesting background: an upper-class education at Haileybury and Cambridge, ten years as a tea-planter in what is now Sri Lanka, and two more making wine in France (see "Architects and Artists"). His name is then associated with Clayton and Bell, and Charles Eamer Kempe. Certainly his work is quite traditional in style, and looks very similar to Kempe's, though it is easily distinguished by his "signature" of a greyhound (see below).
Bryans must have been well established by the end of the Victorian period, because he was elected a member of the Society of Arts in February 1899 ("Court Circular"). In the Edwardian era, he was associated with Ernest Heasman (1874-1927) and Geoffery Webb (1879-1954), becoming a partner with Webb (see "Herbert Bryans"). From the appearance of a Mrs Herbert Bryans in several Court Circulars, he would seem to have made an advantageous marriage, and from 1924, he set up a partnership with his son. He died in the following year.
An advert in the Times of 6 March 1939 for a piece of Bryans's stained glass, showing St George and other figures, terms him a "pupil of Kempe" (2), and that is how he is usually known.
Both photographs here kindly sent in by Michael Critchlow.
Works
- Fathers and Prophets of the Church, St Martin's Church, Low Marple, nr Stockport
- St Anne and St Mary, St Martin's Church, Low Marple, nr Stockport
Bibliography
"Architects and Artists B." Sussex Parish Churches. Web. 9 September 2016.
"Court Circular." The Times. 24 February 1899: 6. Times Digital Archive. Web. 9 September 2016.
"Herbert Bryans (1856-1925)." Gwydir Lliw Nghymru: Stained Glass in Wales. Web. 9 September 2016.
"History and Heritage of St Martin's Church." St Martin's Low Marple Heritage Trust. Web. 10 September 2106.
"Stained Glass Window for Sale." The Times. 6 March 1939: 6. Times Digital Archive. Web. 9 September 2016.
Created 10 September 2016.