Thomas Wrigley

Thomas Wrigley (27 June 1808 – 26 January 1880) was a British paper manufacturer, cotton mill owner, art collector and philanthropist from Bury, Lancashire.

Born on 27 June 1808 close to his father's Bridge Hall Paper Mills, Thomas Wrigley inherited the business in 1846.

According to Edward Morris, he was "largely responsible for making Bury one of the greatest paper-making centres in the world".

[1] Wrigley was a Liberal in his political views and favoured both compulsory education and free trade.

[4] In 1897, his family donated his collection of paintings, porcelain and other artworks to form a purpose-built art gallery for the people of Bury.