Memory

How many memories can you squeeze into a photograph? I crossed the road here each day on my way to junior school, and I caught the bus here each day on my way to secondary school. I bought bags of chips at the corner and comics across the road. I pumped petrol at the filling … Continue reading Memory

Selfie Portrait

I'm not sure who the subject of this studio portrait from the 1920s is, but it was part of a batch of distant family photographs. You don't see that many portraits in these selfie-obsessed times we live in, which is a shame because portraits are more likely to show people as they are rather than … Continue reading Selfie Portrait

Old And New In Halifax

Better photographers than me have clicked a shutter up Old Lane in Halifax, although the great Bill Brandt was facing in the opposite direction. Had he turned round he would have got a nice composition in sooty stone, cast iron and gritstone rock. And if he had returned to Halifax in the 80s he would … Continue reading Old And New In Halifax

Albert And Rose

All praise those sainted mortals who, When given a photo know what to do. With pencilled words small and clear, Discreetly say on the photos rear Whether it's Jack or Joe or God only knows Or in this case, Great Uncle Albert and his wife, Rose.

Commercial Street

From the mid nineteenth century onwards, every northern town worth its weight in brass had a Commercial Street. To these streets the new generation of drapers, bakers and umbrella makers were drawn. I took this photograph of Brighouse's Commercial Street over half a century ago. It was busy then and, I'm glad to say, it's … Continue reading Commercial Street

Study In Faces

41/1001 : A Study In Faces - Yorkshire Miners' Gala Parade, Doncaster, 1982

Top Brass

Chapels, town halls and banks: northern towns have always done them well. There is something about faith, brass and municipality that fostered the architectural pride of countless northern towns. Here's one of Halifax's entries in the banking class - the palatial Lloyds Bank.

Time Travel Time

40/1001 : It's time travel time. Choose your vehicle: maybe it is the headscarves and the plastic rain hats, perhaps it's the back-slashed prices or the thought of pure boiled sweets. For me it is those stacked biscuit boxes: square, solid and ready to whisk me back to my youth.

Voting Day

I've just realised it is 50 years since I walked through those doors and started work behind that arched window for the first time. A lot has happened in the intervening half century. I'll be thinking of those times when I go to cast my vote today.