Ernest Higgins Rigg was born in Bradford and attended the art school there. He subsequently travelled to Paris to study at the Académie Julian which had become a popular destination for British artists of the late 19th century. Tutors at the Académie , such as Adolphe William Bouguereau and Jules Lefebvre put an emphasis on plein air painting. On his return to England, he joined the Staithes Group of artists which included Dame Laura Knight and Robert Jobling.

​

He exhibited extensively during his lifetime at the Royal Academy, The Walker Art Gallery, The Royal Society of British Artists, Yorkshire Union of Artists and Manchester City Art Gallery. His work can be found in several public collections in Whitby, Sheffield and Bradford, examples of which can be viewed here: artuk.org