Tony Brierley was an active part of the humanist movement for more than 60 years, and a founder of both the Oxford University Humanist Group, and the University Humanist Federation. Beginning in the late 1950s, Brierley’s early years within organised humanism came at a pivotal time, when the groundwork was being laid for the thriving community and influential campaigning efforts of the 1960s and beyond. The boom in local humanist groups and emphasis on connection during this time was thanks in no small part to him.
Loyalty to colleagues and to his idea of the [humanist] movement has characterized all his dealings.
News and Notes, September 1964
Anthony Brierley was born in the West Midlands in February 1936. He studied at Oxford, where during his first year he founded the Oxford University Humanist Group (OUHG). Formed in 1958, the OUHG went on to become one of the University’s most flourishing societies – boasting more than 1000 members, and welcoming many of humanism’s most eminent speakers. The group organised weekly discussion meetings, promoted humanism, and challenged Christian missions to the University. David Pollock, a member of the group during his own time at Oxford, later wrote:
At a time when deference was the default attitude to authority and explicit denial of belief in God was still a daring act, the OUHG was at the cutting edge of public debate on the basis and nature of morality and over reform of the law on abortion, homosexuality, divorce, censorship and the like.
In 1959 Brierley was instrumental in creating the University Humanist Federation, which sought to create connection and fellowship between the various university humanist groups. The Federation’s first two conferences, in 1960 and 1961, took place in Birmingham, and welcomed speakers including philosopher Patrick Nowell-Smith, legal scholar and Labour politician Lord Chorley, and prominent humanist Hector Hawton. Affiliated university groups included Aberdeen, Bristol, Cambridge, Durham, Liverpool, Manchester, Oxford, Hull, University College London, and Leicester.
In 1961, Brierley was appointed Group Organizer for the Ethical Union (now Humanists UK), continuing his efforts to strengthen and support the humanist movement. When Brierley left the role in 1964 to become a lecturer in psychology at Birmingham Commercial College, the Union’s journal News and Notes commended Brierley for ‘three decisive years, during which he has helped to shape the new Humanist movement’.
Brierley’s support for local groups remained a constant. He went on to be involved with the Birmingham Humanist Group and often spoke warmly of the ‘flourishing’ of various groups up and down the country. He died in 2024, at the age of 88.
Commenting on Tony Brierley’s death, Humanists UK’s Chief Executive Andrew Copson said:
Tony was a pivotal figure in the humanist movement. His founding of the Oxford University Humanist Group in the 1950s was a bold step, challenging conventions and advocating for humanist values at a time when religion dominated public life. Tony’s enthusiasm and dedication laid the groundwork for today’s vibrant humanist community, inspiring a generation to think critically and act on humanist principles.
His contributions went beyond public achievements; Tony was known for his kindness and support to all those working at Humanists UK over six decades. His loss is deeply felt by all of us, but his legacy endures.
Tony Brierley Archive | Bishopsgate Institute
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