Author: Alan Burnett

Through The Viewfinder

This photograph comes from a collection of old photos bought as a job lot on eBay for less than the price of a pint. I am a great fan of the novel "Sweet Caress" by William Boyd, and as soon as I saw this photograph I thought of Amory Clay, the heroine of that fine … Continue reading Through The Viewfinder

Looking Down On Elland

South Lane climbs out of Elland up towards the top of Blackley, but loses interest in the task and peters out amongst some soulless brick factories. Back in the 1970s, when I took this photo, you could still look down on the power station and Gannex Mill. These days industrial units and new housing developments … Continue reading Looking Down On Elland

A Question Of Sport

This is an old, real photographic postcard that must date from the first part of the twentieth century, and is full of questions. I can not be certain about the date, the place, the sport or the team. There are eleven players so I am immediately drawn to a football team (soccer team). The only … Continue reading A Question Of Sport

A Walk In The Park

I must confess I was only vaguely aware of the existence of West View Park before I came across this vintage postcard. I have a cousin who used to walk his dog there, and I suspect that I have passed the entrance when going somewhere else. Now I want to visit the park, I want … Continue reading A Walk In The Park

Ring Them Bells

The Ring O'Bells, located next to Halifax Minster, supposedly dates back to either the 13th or the 15th century; although that is "dates back" in the sense that an inn has been around here since those distant times. The current manifestation was, in fact, built in 1720; which is quite old enough for most respectable … Continue reading Ring Them Bells

A True Friend Is One That Gets Lost

The Fowler Beanland Album IV This is another vintage card from the postcard album of Fowler Beanland. "A  true friend is a sure anchor" is the early twentieth century equivalent of those trite quotations you see on Facebook or etched into all plaques to hang on the kitchen wall. The flags featured on the card … Continue reading A True Friend Is One That Gets Lost

Panel Portrait

This rather unusually shaped portrait of a studious young boy is described on the reverse as a "Panel Portrait" and is by the Blackpool photographer J Bamber of 69, Church Street. The only other reference I can find online to a "panel portrait" is by the same photographer and dates from the 1920s, so we … Continue reading Panel Portrait