Richard Croasdale, Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery’s oldest and longest-serving volunteer, is set to celebrate his 90th birthday by continuing to share stories of the town’s textile heritage. A former textile worker who began his career at the British Northrop Loom Company Ltd in 1950, Croasdale has spent over 17 years volunteering at the museum, becoming a living connection to Blackburn’s rich history as the world’s weaving capital.
His journey with the museum started when he was called in by local historian Jim Halsall to reassemble a loom that had arrived in pieces. This sparked a long-lasting passion for restoring looms and preserving the town’s textile history, particularly through his work with the Lewis Textile Collection.
Mr. Croasdale’s dedication has earned him prestigious accolades, including a British Museum Award and a Volunteer of the Year honor at the Community Volunteer Awards. He takes pride in sharing the town’s industrial legacy with visitors, particularly schoolchildren, bringing history to life in a way that goes beyond books.
Reflecting on his contributions, Croasdale expressed his deep love for Blackburn, stating, “As long as I have life, I’ll keep it up.”
Rebecca Johnson, arts and heritage manager for Blackburn with Darwen Council, highlighted the significance of volunteers like Croasdale, saying, “His knowledge of the cotton industry and his captivating stories have enriched the experience of countless visitors.”
