Author: Alan Burnett

From An Old Friend, George Graham

How this particular photograph found its way into my collection, I have no idea. I do, however, know who it is a photograph of, and that is George Graham. We also know that George was an "old friend", as written on the back of the postcard sized print is "from an old friend, George Graham". … Continue reading From An Old Friend, George Graham

Stamping Ground

Yet another strip of old negatives enters the scanning machine and immediately comes up with a long-dormant memory. It dates from fifty years ago when it was quite common to find these strange looking cast-iron machines on station platforms. This one, if my memory serves me right, was on the platform of Halifax Station, and … Continue reading Stamping Ground

Far Worse Places, Nellie

"This is where I spent my Easter Holidays", wrote Nellie from Brow Cottage, Greetland in May 1904 to her friend Ethel Knight, the daughter of the publican of the Black Horse in Lindley, Huddersfield. There are far worse places to spend your holidays, Nellie!

Memory Maps Of Halifax

They should call old photographs “memory-maps” because that is what a half-decent old photograph is. You should be able to sit down with a cup of tea and a magnifying glass and, in your mind, walk down streets that are long gone and look at buildings that are equally long-demolished. Take, for example, these photograph … Continue reading Memory Maps Of Halifax

Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May

A recently acquired vintage postcard of the sundial in People's Park, Halifax provides the basis for a timely New Year's post. The Smith sundial will be familiar to generations of Halifax dwellers, having been presented to the park in 1873 by Alderman Matthew Smith, a partner in the wire manufacturing company, who later became Mayor … Continue reading Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May

Getting A Tram To The Cemetery

Think of WhatsApp messages accompanied by fabulous photographs. Not photos of pouting lips or meaningless plates of food, but photographs that capture and preserve history. And thus you have picture postcards from one hundred years ago. Each one becomes an exploration, taking you through quiet graveyards or along disused tram lines. The cemetery along Lightcliffe … Continue reading Getting A Tram To The Cemetery

Fading In Halifax

I was flicking through the TV channels the other day, wondering whether to watch a concert from Australia, a quiz show from America or a cricket match from India, when I started getting bored with it all and reading an old newspaper instead. The newspaper was from one hundred years ago (Halifax Courier, Wednesday 10 … Continue reading Fading In Halifax