Black Country boy’s rise to Manchester United hero: Duncan Edwards honoured with new Dudley exhibition
From Black Country boy to Red Devil - a new exhibition celebrating the life and footballing career of Duncan Edwards opens in his home town next week.
A host of photographs, press cuttings, memorabilia and football programmes relating to the Dudley-born Busby Babes member are going on display at Dudley Archives and Local History Centre.
The exhibition, which opens on Wednesday, tells Duncan’s story from his Black Country roots to championship titles with Manchester United and appearances for England at every age level.
It's part of a wider tribute programme organised to mark the 60th anniversary of Edwards' death following the Munich Air Crash at the age of 21.
Duncan, who grew up on the Priory Estate, played 180 games for Manchester United, England and The Army while on his two years National Service and during this period he helped Manchester United to win two consecutive First Division Championships.
At Old Trafford, under the guidance of Manager Matt Busby, he became part of the immortal ‘Busby Babes’ side of the 1950s.
Items in the exhibition include programmes from games Duncan played in for The Army side at Arsenal and Manchester City in the 1956/57 season as well as photographs of him from his playing days for Manchester United and with his England caps. There is also a copy of Charles Buchan's Football Monthly from March 1958 - which featured Duncan a week after his death.
While football artist Bob Bond was commissioned to create four original story boards illustrating periods of Duncan’s life that are being used as wall hangings in the exhibition.
Jim Cadman, who is organising the tribute with a group of volunteer helpers, explained how the idea evolved from a personal plea from Duncan’s mother Sarah Ann.
“Back in 2001, we launched a book entitled Duncan Edwards – The Full Report on what would have been his 65th birthday.
"Duncan’s mother Sarah Ann gave us access to family photos and memorabilia as well as valuable information about his early life.
“Sarah and her family were VIP guests at a gala dinner and she said to me ‘Can you make sure that folks in the Black Country never forget my Duncan?’
“The people of Dudley and the wider Black Country have a past to be proud of and Duncan’s achievements are an integral part of that, which is why we are determined to keep the promise we made to his mother 16 years ago.”
Admission to the exhibition, which runs until March 30, is free and all items will remain at the centre after it ends.
