Frank Parkinson Biography
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- Born Feb. 7, 1887
Frank Parkinson (7 February 1887 – 28 January 1946) was a British electrical engineer, most notable for early electric lighting installations, such as light bulbs and electric motors. He was a major benefactor to the University of Leeds with the landmark tower (appearing on the university logo) named in his honour.\n', '
The son of a stonemason, originally from Guiseley, he began his studies in electrical engineering in 1908 at Leeds University. He first worked for local firm Rhodes Motors before setting up F & A. Parkinson and Company in partnership with his brother Albert. The firm continued to grow making Frank "Yorkshire\'s quietest millionaire."\n', '
In 1927 he took over Crompton and Co. to form Crompton Parkinson. Crompton and Co. was one of the oldest lighting companies in the world, founded in 1878 by Colonel REB Crompton, a multi-talented entrepreneur who designed and installed some of the earliest recorded electric lighting installations at buildings such as Windsor Castle and Holyrood Palace. Established as an industry leader, Crompton Parkinson was taken over by the Hawker Siddeley aerospace group in 1968 and the Crompton range continued to be further diversified to incorporate cable, fuses, batteries and metering instruments in addition to lamps and luminaires. On 17 May 2002, the factory in his home town closed down.\n', '
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