Exhibition on life of legend Duncan Edwards goes ahead despite Dudley museum flood

But that did not stop an exhibition into a legendary footballer taking place.

Dudley Archives, which became home for the museum back in October, closed on Tuesday after a fault with pumping equipment caused partial flooding.

But the opening of an exhibition in tribute to Duncan Edwards still went ahead, as it was taking place in a different part of the Tipton Road-based building.

The exhibition, which opened yesterday marks the 60th anniversary of the Dudley-born footballer’s death.

He went on to play for Manchester United and England before losing his life in the Munich air crash.

Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: “We are sorry to have to announce the museum will be temporarily closed while we replace carpets and furniture damaged by water following the leak.

“We hope to be able to do what we need to do within two to three weeks and of course we will strive to re-open the museum as quickly as possible.

“On a positive note, the new eagerly-awaited Duncan Edwards exhibition is located in a part of the building which was unaffected.

A book of remembrance forms part of the exhibition, which will run until March, and football fans were eager to write in special messages.

Among the first to sign was Tony Whelan, a former Manchester United player and now assistant director of the club’s academy.

He said: “We are proud to follow in the footsteps of Duncan.

“He will be a Manchester United legend forever, and it was a real honour and a privilege to come down today to see this new exhibition.”

Dudley Museum and Art Gallery had been based in St James's Road in the town centre but closed in 2016 due to council cut backs.

The new venue, called Dudley Museum at the Archives, opened at the start of October 2017. The archives centre opened in 2014.

• A full look at the exhibition will feature in the Express & Star this week.