n 1974 I cut out of the Observer Magazine an article and pictures on “Scott's last journey”. The story was about Tryggve Gran, a Norwegian, and one of only three remaining survivors of Scott's last expedition. The particular interest for me was Gran's connection with Griffith Taylor, the geologist whose picture we have, resplendent in Antarctic gear and including the “Harry Brearley” knife stuck in his belt.
Gran, as a Norwegian, was worried that he might be asked to go with Scott to the Pole because of awareness that there could be competition with Amundsen, a fellow countryman. Scott allowed Gran to go on a subsidiary expedition with Griffith Taylor to the Western Mountains.
There is another well-known photograph taken when the “Terra Nova” was held in pack ice, showing three men aloft in the rigging. One of the men is Gran and the others are Charles Wright, physician, and Griffith Taylor the geologist.
August 2013
Matthew Brearley has contacted us with information to add to Bill Glossop's article about Harry Brearley.
This is what Matthew says..........
I have read Mr Glossop's article about Harry Brearley with interest. Harry Brearley's Great, Great Grandfather, Benjamin Brearley is my Great, Great, Great, Great, Grandfather and I am afraid Uncle George's tale about a woman called Taylor has no foundation. Benjamin was indeed married twice but the wife who bore Harry Brearley's Great, Grandfather, (George's Grandfather) was Lydia Holmes and was married to Benjamin. So Harry Brearley was a Brearley and the name Taylor was never a factor in his ancestry.
December 2014
Paul Wise writes....
I have just read with interest the article on Harry Brearley and wish to clarify some of the detail /questions posed?
My Mother who died a couple of years ago was Barbara Brearley Wise (nee Bull). She was the daughter of George Henry (Harry) Bull and Nellie Bull who are mentioned in the article. Harry Brearley was her God Father and wrote "ironie" for her to explain the story of stainless steel. I also have her copy of the story, which my mother always referred to as the original. As a christening present my mother received a teak child's chair carved with the motif B Brearley B. My grandchildren are now using it when they visit.
My Grandfather was from a similar background and worked with Harry Brearley in the labs at Firth Brown and then at Brown Bayleys . He was also became Chairman and Managing Director of BBs after HB retired and set up Amalgams with Him. My Father Graham Wise was born and raised in Totley, the son of William Wise who lived on The Quadrant. William Wise was also in the steel industry working for Jessops. My Father started work at Brown Bayleys, but moved over to Exors of James Mills (GKN) near Stockport in about 1955. Later in his career he became Group Managing Director of Edgar Allen, back in Sheffield prior to their takeover by Aurora.
Kind Regards
Paul Wise