Bristow served an apprenticeship in taxidermy before working in the family business, established in 1845, at an unpretentious shop at 15 Silchester Road, St Leonards-on-Sea.
Bristow's training in taxidermy and his subsequent work with his family's business, established in 1845, took place at a modest shop located at 15 Silchester Road, St Leonards-on-Sea.