Labour Australia

  • Tip: searches only the name field
  • Tip: Use double quotes to search for a phrase

Browse People:

Browse Lists:

Cultural Advice

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains names, images, and voices of deceased persons.

In addition, some articles contain terms or views that were acceptable within mainstream Australian culture in the period in which they were written, but may no longer be considered appropriate.

These articles do not necessarily reflect the views of The Australian National University.

Older articles are being reviewed with a view to bringing them into line with contemporary values but the original text will remain available for historical context.

Richard (Dick) Brown (1881–1972)

This article was published:

This entry is from People Australia

Richard (Dick) Brown (1881-1972) potter, trade union leader 

Birth: 1881 in Brunswick, Victoria, son of Richard Brown, carter (or butcher), and Agnes, née Blair or Morgan. Marriage: 11 April 1901 in Brunswick to Mary Ellen Loughton, tailoress. They had one daughter and one son. Death: 14 February 1972 at Preston, Victoria. Religion: Baptist. 

  • First job minding cows for Brunswick (Victoria) dairy. Later, as carter, took clay from Campbellfield to potteries, then at Cornwell’s Pottery, Brunswick.
  • 1910 employed at Hoffman’s pottery, Brunswick, remained there until retirement in 1962.
  • Poor conditions had led to formation of union in 1898 and Brown was issued with No. 1 card. Founding member, Victorian branch of the Federated Brick, Tile and Pottery Workers’ Union, and president of branch for 40 years.
  • Spent much of working life in Brunswick. In 1910 was union steward. Delegate to Melbourne Trades Hall Council. Delegate to Australian Labor Party State conference.
  • Lived at Coburg.

Sources
The N.S.W. Clayworker, May 1972.

Original Publication

Citation details

'Brown, Richard (Dick) (1881–1972)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://labouraustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/brown-richard-dick-32419/text40208, accessed 1 December 2023.

© Copyright Labour Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Birth

1881
Brunswick, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Death

14 February, 1972 (aged ~ 91)
Preston, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

Occupation
Key Organisations