Emmaus, Mossley & Woodend Mill Mossley

Victor Brox

There is a long association between Emmaus, Mossley and Woodend Mill, artists and businesses based at the mill have worked closely with the charity and the wonderful people they assist.

It is a friendship we are proud of and one we seek to foster and develop; after all they are just up the road from us and an absolute treasure trove of inspiration, personalities and stuff. Everything from antiques to unfathomable curiosities arrive at Emmaus, Mossley and if you visit regularly or are just lucky you will find something you just cannot leave without!

Woodend Studios are filled with little treasures that have been gleaned from our neighbours and there is often a story with the object.

I popped in yesterday, just have a chat and in search of a sewing machine a tenant had alerted me to. Alas the sewing machine had been snapped up and who knows where it may now be!

However my attention was quickly directed to a ramshackle display of delight; Victor Brox. A local gentleman I had never heard of; it seems this wonderful blues musician was happy to be anonymous while he lived a live full of recognition as an acclaimed blues musician. Victor had worked with Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Ritchie Blackmore and Ian Gillan of Deep Purple, Charlie Mingus, Memphis Slim, Dr John, Aynsley Dunbar, Graham Bond, Alexis Korner, John Mayall, Country Joe McDonald, Peter Bardens, Keith Moon and Dave Wood.

Playing with so many respected musicians, impacting so many more, by all accounts this was a life filled with success in pursuit of what he loved. And he was from right here in Ashton-Under-Lyne, it is remarkable what you can miss, even when it is under your nose. His daughter Kyla continues her father’s legacy as a respected blues musician in her own right. I will be certain to go and see her in concert.

Victor Brox died on 20 February 2023, aged 81 and continued to perform; joining his daughter Kyla on stage at The Great British Rock & Blues Festival the month before his death, although he had cancer and had been unwell. Based on what I have just watched on YouTube, he remained great to the end.

His image is arresting, had I ever seen him I would remember. Having now listened to him on YouTube it would have been great to see him live. There were clearly many opportunities missed; in addition to playing great venues, he was apparently just as happy when he performed in local pubs or busking at Ashton-Under_Lyne market; just playing it seems.

But the reason Victor Brox came to my attention yesterday is that after his death the contents of him home, the many objects he loved to collect as he travelled round the world playing music, were gifted to Emmaus, Mossley by his estate. His daughter Kyla performed with her band there to open the sale of his items. All monies from the sale of his collection will support the amazing work of this fabulous place.

I could not miss the opportunity to buy two wooden boxes, simple and in need of a little love I intend to get them refurbished and move them on to their next destination. Before and after images will record their journey in a future post. Just need to decide exactly how to transform them!

I left very happy to forego the sewing machine for the wealth I had learnt on this visit…I also picked up a very cute sewing box!

You can read a great deal more about Victor Brox online and I would suggest it will be an enjoyable few hours of browsing with plenty of performances to watch.

1968 Poster - Victor Brox Blues Train plays Oldham College of Technology