THE founding father of Haworth Art Gallery's collection of Tiffany glass will be the subject of a one-off lecture next month .

' In search of Joseph Briggs' will explore all aspects of his life from his birth in Accrington and emigration to America to seek his fortune at the age of 17.

Briggs ended up working at the Tiffany studios in New York with Louis Comfort Tiffany himself, and in 1932, five years before his death, shipped 140 Favrile glass tiles, vases and mosaic samples back to his home town, where they have remained ever since.

The collection is now one of the most prized in the world, containing many experimental and unique examples of Tiffany glass.

Haworth Art Gallery recently re-opened after refurbishment with new features including cafe, educational and workshop facilities, interactive displays over four rooms, and a new shop selling high-class glassware and Tiffany products.

Tickets for the lecture, at 7.30pm on Thursday, November 7, are £5 including wine and nibbles, available from the gallery on 01254 233782 or Accrington Information Centre in the town hall on 01254 380293.