Top glass expert retires after sparkling career (From Stourbridge News)

Top glass expert retires after sparkling career

3:12pm Wednesday 20th March 2013 in News

ONE of the country’s top glass experts has retired after a sparkling 35-year career with Dudley Museums Service.

Roger Dodsworth, keeper of glass and fine art at Broadfield House Glass Museum, has said a fond farewell to the world renowned Kingswinford museum which he was instrumental in founding.

The museum stalwart, who recently turned 60, has over the years carved out a reputation as an international authority on Stourbridge glass, writing for numerous publications and giving lectures across the country and in the USA.

Graham Fisher, spokesman for the British Glass Foundation which has campaigned to keep Broadfield House open, said it had been a “pleasure to work alongside” Mr Dodsworth, who lives in Stourbridge.

He added: “Roger would be the last one to sing his own praises, but he will be a very hard act to follow.”

Originally from Nottingham - Mr Dodsworth began his career with the Decorative Arts Department of the City Art Gallery in Manchester after studying classics at University College London.

Then in 1978 he landed a job as a trainee at Dudley Museum and Art Gallery and he became actively involved in setting up Broadfield House - the only publicy-owned museum devoted exclusively to glass - which opened its doors in 1980.

Mr Dodsworth, who is also a founder member of the Glass Association, said: “I became very involved in trying to promote the glass museum and became very proud of the achievements of the Stourbridge glass industry over the centuries and all the wonderful things the workers produced.”

He added: “I’m sure whoever comes after me will carry on the good work.”

Barbara Beadman, chairman of the Friends of Broadfield House, praised Mr Dodsworth’s dedication to the Compton Drive museum and added: “We’re looking to have more of Roger’s undivided attention and know he’ll play a larger part in the life of the Friends than he was able to before.

“We’re also looking forward to being able to say a proper thank you for all his work at the museum.”