Allan Francis Vigers [also known as A.F. Vigers, and as Allen Francis Vigers] was born the son of a surveyor, Robert Vigers, in Lambeth, Surrey [now London] England in 1858. He studied at the Royal Academy Schools and at the South Kensington Art Schools in London and was articled to Charles Barry (1823-1900). Vigers subsequently went into partnership with Henry Cowell Boyes (1846?-1900) in London and in 1890 set up his own independent practice. However, having trained as an architect, Vigers chose did not actively pursue it as a profession but, instead, worked as an applied from this period onwards.
He became a noted designer of wallpapers and textiles. He also executed several illuminations. The principal client for his wallpaper designs was Jeffrey & Co. Wallpapers designed by Vigers for Jeffrey & Co. are illustrated in 'the Studio Yearbook of Decorative Art' 1906 (pp.128, 129), 1909 (p.75), 1914 (p.50) and 1915 (p.172) and 1926 (p.172). Two examples of his designs for Jeffrey & Co. are illustrated in 'Modern Decorative Art in England its Development & Characteristics. Volume 1: Woven & Printed Fabrics, Wall-papers, Lace & Embroidery' by W.G. Paulson Townsend. (London: B.T. Batsford Ltd., 1922 pp.134, 137). His work for Jeffrey & Co. is also illustrated in 'The Modern Home: A Book of British Domestic Architecture for Moderate Incomes' by W.H. Bidlake, M.A. Halsey-Ricardo and John Cash (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1906 p.156)
Clients for whom Vigers designed textiles included Warner & Sons, G.P. & J. Baker and Alexander Morton. Vigers joined the Art Workers Guild (AWG) in 1903. He was also a member of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) and the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society.
Vigers exhibited at the Royal Academy and the New Gallery in London between 1894-1912. His address is given as 4 Frederick's Place, Old Jewry, London, in 1898; 7 South Square, Gray's Inn, London; and 1 Earl's Terrace, London, in 1905 and 1909. His brother, Lesley Robert Vigers (1856-) was also an architect.
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
From East to West: textiles for G.P. & J. Baker. London: G.P. & J. Baker, 1984 p.91
Oman, Charles C. and Hamilton, Jean. Wallpapers: a history and illustrated catalogue of the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum. London: Sotheby Publications in Association with the Victoria and Albert Museum, 1982 pp.433-434