These two cuttings come from a crumbling old copy of the Halifax Courier and Guardian dated the 4th February 1922 which I found in the attic. The big news of the day was not the economic and political crisis that Britain was going through, nor was it the developing Irish Civil War: it was the … Continue reading A Smooth And Symphonic Final Journey
Is That You, Uncle Albert?
You’d think in this day and age, when we can transmit pictures of our breakfast to the entire world in nanoseconds and send a drone to look in your neighbours back garden, that it would be possible to determine whether this was a photograph of my great Uncle Albert. If artificial intelligence had more than … Continue reading Is That You, Uncle Albert?
Desktop Calendar : 31 July – 2 August 2023
This somewhat bizarre photographs dates back to September 2012 when I was involved in a deep discussion about the contending vales of randomness and organisation on my News From Nowhere blog. It took me quite a time to remember that each line of the poem was based on the title of each of my blog … Continue reading Desktop Calendar : 31 July – 2 August 2023
Picturesque Halifax
This picture postcard dates from 1918 and is entitled "Picturesque Halifax" although I am not convinced the five photographs live up to that billing. Maybe it is the sepia patina, maybe it is changing perceptions of what is "picturesque", I find it difficult, however, to get excited by Cote Hill or Ogden Reservoir. To celebrate … Continue reading Picturesque Halifax
Way Back When
This was taken way back when - when industry still clung to the hillsides of Halifax, when machine tools, along with carpets and toffees provided employment for the town, when the hillsides were treeless, and when washing was optimistically hung out to dry in the smokey breeze.
Desktop Calendar : 28-30 July 2023
We took a walk around the Yorkshire Sculpture Park on Wednesday and I spotted this delightful scene. You never know when you visit the park whether things are exhibits or merely chance objects - which is part of the enjoyment of a day out there. I spent some time trying to spot how they had … Continue reading Desktop Calendar : 28-30 July 2023
Gladys Beanland – The Prequel
Old family photographs are a little like film prequels. Take, for example, this photograph of three young girls enjoying a day out at the seaside in the late 1920s. Two of the subjects are characters we are familiar with due to their starring role in that well-known epic "My Life". The one on the left … Continue reading Gladys Beanland – The Prequel
Under The Clock
An early colour photograph of mine (note the pre-decimal currency) and one where the exposure left a lot to be desired. What it lacks in technique it makes up a little for in atmosphere and in the light from the windows of that cathedral of commerce that was Halifax's Borough Market.
Desktop Calendar : 25-27 July 2023
I have no idea who took this photograph. Usually it was me taking photographs of my brother, or him taking photographs of me, and thus pictures of us together are rare. It was taken in the late 1960s: Roger was living on a barge and about to sail it to Europe, making a living by … Continue reading Desktop Calendar : 25-27 July 2023
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