Robert Arnold Blakeborough
Robert Arnold Blakeborough (c1882-1954), chairman of J. Blakeborough and Sons
1954 Obituary [1]
WE have learned with regret of the death of Mr. Robert Arnold Blakeborough, which occurred at his home at Lightcliffe, Yorkshire, on January 3rd.
Mr. Blakeborough, who was seventy-two, was the chairman of J. Blakeborough and Sons, Ltd., Brighouse, with which firm he had been actively associated throughout the whole of his long business career. The firm, it may be recalled, was founded by Mr. Blakeborough's grandfather.
Robert Blakeborough entered the family business at the age of sixteen, and, after his apprenticeship, quickly succeeded to positions of responsibility. He took particular interest in the company's outside representation, and had travelled in many countries to develop and strengthen business associations. Mr. Blakeborough was equally interested in the progressive improvement of his firm's products, and in the introduction of new designs.
During the first world war, Mr. Blakeborough took special responsibility for the supply of valves required for a number of Admiralty contracts.
After the war, in 1921, he was appointed managing director, and subsequently became chairman. He was also a director of several other engineering concerns, and for a number of years served as chairman of the British Valve Manufacturers' Association, in the establishment of which he took a leading part.