Herbert James Read
Herbert James Read ( -1928), founder of Read and Partners
1928 Obituary [1]
HERBERT JAMES READ, who met his death as the result of a level-crossing accident on the 4th May, 1928, was educated at a private school at Luton and at evening classes at Regent Street Polytechnic.
From 1883 to 1890 he was with J. Edmundson and Co.
He was then appointed assistant engineer on the staff of Edmundsons Electricity Corporation, Ltd., subsequently becoming engineer and, in 1901, contracts manager and engineer, a position which he held for many years. During that time he was responsible for designing and carrying out the installation of generating plants and distribution equipments for the firm.
He afterwards founded the firm of Read and Partners, Ltd., electric light and power contractors, of which he was managing director at the time of his death.
Although he led a very active life in the electrical industry he also interested himself considerably in church work, and was a great temperance advocate.
He was elected an Associate of the Institution in 1897, an Associate Member in 1903, and a Member in 1918.