A Loom of History

With his 90th birthday just around the corner, Richard Croasdale is Blackburn Museum’s oldest and longest-serving volunteer – and he’s absolutely brilliant!

Like the many artefacts in Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery’s impressive collections, volunteer Richard Croasdale has a fascinating story to tell.

And with the museum celebrating its 150th anniversary and Richard recently receiving a coveted volunteer award, what better time to share his story than now – on the eve of his special birthday.

Richard (pictured) is a living connection to the borough’s rich history with the cotton industry – a connection that grows deeper with every story he shares.

His journey with textiles began in 1950 when, at just 15, he proudly joined the British Northrop Loom Company Ltd.

The company’s innovations – particularly the Northrop Loom itself – helped solidify the town’s reputation as a global leader in textile production, a legacy still celebrated today.

Richard honed his craft during his time there, acquiring skills that would prove invaluable later in life. It was a job he truly loved.

And that’s why, when a loom donated to the museum arrived in pieces, his friend, local historian Jim Halsall, called with a proposition.

At first, I told him, ‘I’ve got enough to do, thank you very much,

Richard recalls with a laugh.

But Jim insisted it was a job I’d want to do.

And, of course, he was right.

What others expected to take months though, Richard completed in just days.

This project marked the start of Richard’s 17-year love affair with the museum, during which he has restored several looms and became the cornerstone of the Lewis Textile Collection.

 His meticulous work has earned him a prestigious British Museum Award, and he was recently honoured with a Volunteer of the Year gong at the Community Volunteer Awards.

However, Richard insists it’s not about the accolades, and that’s clear to anyone lucky enough to meet him.

There’s so much history here in Blackburn,

says Richard, who was fittingly born on Cotton Street.

It was once the weaving capital of the world, and I love sharing my stories with visitors, especially schoolchildren.

I feel like it’s better that they hear it from me, rather than just reading about it in a book.

Richard’s passion for storytelling extends to the many visitors who come to the museum—some from across the globe. He’s always a real hit.

Armed with books, photographs, and fascinating anecdotes, he brings Blackburn’s industrial past vividly to life.

I love to volunteer, It feels like I’m giving something back to the place I’ve lived all my life.

I love Blackburn. To me, it’s a fantastic place – it’s home.

Richard’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed either Rebecca Johnson, Arts and Heritage Manager for Blackburn with Darwen Council, describes him as “hugely popular” and “a vital part of the museum’s success.”

She told The Shuttle:

Richard’s knowledge of the cotton industry and his captivating stories have enriched the experience of countless visitors.

Volunteers like him are the lifeblood of the museum.

And as his 90th birthday approaches, Richard remains as dedicated as ever.

As long as I have life, I’ll keep it up, he says with a smile

Discover more: Visit Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery on Museum Street, open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Admission is free.

You can find Richard there most Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Be sure to follow the museum on Facebook, Instagram and X for updates and information on upcoming events.