Photograph, sepia, Thomas Ridgway (1739 to 1816). A sepia photograph of a framed oil painting of Thomas Ridgway (1739 to 1816) founder of the Wallsuches Bleachworks, later under the name Thomas Ridgway and Company Limited. There is a plaque on the painting's frame which reads 'Thomas Ridgway. Esq. who by his Benovolent Exertions founded the Strangers Charity, Southport A.D. 1806 presented by his son Joseph Ridgway Esq. A.D. 1824'. The photo of mounted on cream card which has a note on the reverse 'Kindly acknowledge our name when reproducing Kay and Foley Southport'. This image was reproduced on page 80 of the Bleachers' Association 25th anniversary company history, 'Concerning the Bleaching Industry'. In 1925, the oil painting was hung in the Board Room of the Convalescent Home at Southport and reproduced by permission of the Committee of Management.
