A RETAIL owner who runs the oldest shop in Blackburn has launched an in-store museum to celebrate the history of his family’s business.

Philip Ainsworth, 51, who has been the director of Ainsworth and Sons Ltd since 1995, runs a family business, on Darwen Street, which was first established in Blackburn in 1870.

The store is one of the largest independent buying group of jewellers in the country and has been selling a range of ornaments. including rings, earrings, beads, bracelets, watches and cufflinks, for more than 100 years.

The business was founded in the town centre by Phillip’s great great grandfather Joseph Ainsworth as ‘J Ainsworth Jewellers & Clockmakers at 64 Darwen Street.

Five generations on and, Philip, who first joined the business in 1990, has continued the family legacy as he reflects on nearly 150 years of history.

He said: “The museum is very much the history of Ainsworth and Sons. It includes memorabilia dated back to 1870.

“We also have got an exhibition museum on diamonds and precious metals and people can learn about its history.

“There will be tours and opportunities for people to learn more about precious stones and metals.

During the collection process there were even some surprises in store for the director of the retail outlet himself.

Philip said: “We have always been based in Northgate but someone brought in a receipt from around the early 1900s.

“I had always thought we were based in 12 Darwen Street at that time but the piece of memorabilia that was brought in revealed we were actually on 17 Darwen Street. I was shocked when I saw it.”

In conjunction with the museum, the store owner also reflected on the shop’s 148th year anniversary.

Philip, who is also a director of The Company of Master Jewellers, said: “To make it to 148 years has been amazing.

“We have not only seen the world economy change but the town change hugely in that time and we are delighted to remain existent in the town.

“There are less and less long-standing businesses around and I am honoured to keep a family business going and still be a part of Blackburn.”

Anyone who wants to donate historical items relating to Darwen Street and Northgate can contact Phil on 01254 59367.