Prescience

I came across this whilst scanning some of my old negatives. I took it 40 years ago at the Yorkshire Miners' Gala parade in Doncaster. Given the events of the few years that followed, there is an element of prescience about the image.

Familiar Concerns

100 years ago today, and the adverts in the Halifax Courier reflect familiar concerns. Keep warm this winter with a seal-lined motor coat, protect yourself during the flu season with Dr Beach's Essence, and "no general election is required" if you plump for Crossleys!

Sweet Bowmore

Sweet memories of a visit to Bowmore Distillery, just four years ago today. Or rather, pungent, citrus, stewed fruit with hints of damp wood and a very soft smoke, memories.

Salterhebble

A messed-about version of a photo I originally took back in 1967 which shows the bottom of Salterhebble Hill and Exley Bank. So much has changed : the mill on the right (Nahum's Union Mills) is long gone, and the pub and many of the houses have now gone as well.

Halifax Before The Earth Moved

This started as another of those "where was I standing when I took this" mysteries. The photograph dates from the 1970s, and the quest for my vantage point wasn't helped by the dubious quality of the old negative. Clearly that is Halifax in the distance and there are enough stone-spires and brick-blocks visible to begin … Continue reading Halifax Before The Earth Moved

Five Miserable Men From Ovenden

This is an Edwardian studio Cabinet Card featuring five unknown men. On the reverse is a studio stamp which reads “B Collier, Photographer, Ovenden, Nr Halifax” I have not been able to find any record of such a photographer in any of the lists of Victorian and Edwardian studios, nor in census records, but that … Continue reading Five Miserable Men From Ovenden

Walking The Dog

Standing on the top of Long Ridge, looking down towards Rastrick, watching the wind blow the sky away: man and dog in perfect harmony.