Joseph Ashton Percival was born in Cheetham, Manchester, Lancashire, England in 1860. He was articled to Thomas Newby (1839-?) in Manchester from 1875 to 1880 and remained as his assistant until 1883. He then worked as an assistant to John Henry Burton (1840-1901) in Ashton-under-Lyne from 1883 to 1899. He also attended Ashton School of Art. He commence practice as an architect in Ashton-under-Lyne in 1899 and in 1899 formed a partnership with Burton. The partnership was dissolved in 1901 following the death of Burton, Percival then practised alone until 1929 when he formed a partnership with (?) Lever. The firm was styled Burton, Percival & Lever. This partnership was dissolved in 1936.
Percival was elected a Licentiate of the Royal Institute of British Architects (LRIBA) in 1910. His address was given as Clarendon Chambers, St. Ann's Square, Manchester in 1912 and 1914; 150a, Stamford Street, Ashton-under-Lyne in 1910 and 1930; and 126 Stamford Street, Ashton-under-Lyne in 1932. Percival died on 11 May 1939. His address at the time of his death was given as 675 Manchester Road, Denton, Lancashire
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Red Lion Hotel, Ashton-under-Lyne; Sunday Schools and Chapels, Ashton-under-Lyne; Openshaw; Clayton; Dukinfield, &c; villa residences in same district; office buildings (Burland Chambers), Major Street, Manchester; miscellaneous workshop buildings and shop premises at Ashton-under- Lyne and neighbouring districts.
Directory of British Architects 1834-1914. Compiled by Antonia Brodie, et al. Volume 2: L-Z. London; New York: British Architectural Library, Royal Institute of British Architects/Continuum, 2001