Charlsworth, Joseph

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Charlsworth, Joseph

Watercolour portrait of Joseph Charlesworth

from John Sowden's notebooks:

"Is the only son of a well-known woolstapler of Bradford.

He early devoted his attention to the collection of orchids as a hobby. His work is a labour of love; and the knowledge he has acquired embodies the work of a lifetime.

He became so absorbed in this fascinating occupation, that he decided to devote his entire attention to it and in 1886 established the firm in Bradford. This flourished exceedingly and the expansion of the business particularly with the Colonies and abroad (as also for climatic reasons) rendered it necessary to select a more convenient spot, and after a test(?) of five years experiments the establishment was moved to Heywards Heath, Sussex, where it is now a Mecca of orchid lovers. The premises occupy 15 acres and include glass comprising 30 houses, roofed by 10 to 20 feet, which are supplied with heat, necessitating the consumption of 500 tons a year of Welsh anthracite coal.

Over 40 persons are employed. Every known medal or other badge of excellence which can be earned has been obtained by Mr Charlesworth, and having so many he has ceased to put the societies to the expense of supplying medals he gains. He has any specimens of the most coveted of all – the gold medal annually awarded by the Royal horticultural society.

Business is done throughout the United Kingdom and with all countries, including in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, South America and Japan. Mr C has himself done some exploration work as in 1889 he visited Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela and the West Indies Mr C is represented on the continent at Brussels where is kept a continuous supply of orchids from Heywards Heath. Mr Charlesworth has done much valuable original work in scientific orchid culture."

Year

1913

Creator

sowden

Image filename

sowden-325