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
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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
Stone Gods
32/1001 : THE GREAT WALLS OF NORTHOWRAM (1968) Some naïve folk believe these walls were built to hold quarry spoil and flatten fields. But no: they are the burial chambers of the ancient pharaohs of Queensbury and Shelf, deities still worshiped by many in these parts.
Bridge, Road And Power
This photo of Elland Bridge, By-Pass and Power Station started life in the early 1980s, but, quite clearly, I've messed about with it since then. They've messed about with the actual scene as well - the Power Station is long gone and some of the mill chimneys have lost their stature. What I can't work … Continue reading Bridge, Road And Power
Old And New And Glorious
Without intending to do so, I appear to have produced a trio of images of the junction between Cross Hills and North Bridge, Halifax. Friday's was a photograph of mine from 40 years ago, yesterday's a picture postcard from 120 years ago, and today's an image from just two years ago. I've messed about with … Continue reading Old And New And Glorious
Britannia Amongst The Chimney Pots
There are some scenes I return to again and again: photographs I have been taking for fifty years. One such is the statue of Britannia which overlooks Elland Bridge from her elevated position on the roof of the former premises of the Halifax and Huddersfield Banking Company. Sometimes I try and capture her in an … Continue reading Britannia Amongst The Chimney Pots
Yorkshire Mixture
A photo of Halifax taken four years ago rather than forty. What I like about this strange little shot of one of the back yards leading off Horton Street and looking towards Square Church, is that it is a right Yorkshire mixture: dark and light, rough and smooth, formal and informal, work and prayer.
Whatever Happened To The Milk Marketing Board?
Certain images are evocative of a time. In this photo of mine from the 1960s, I’m not sure whether it is the vehicles or the advert - whatever happened to the Milk Marketing Board? - or the grey shapes of the mills: but it is the 60s.
Same Day, Same Town, Different Street, Different Washing
Old negatives cut into strips of six allow me to retrace my steps half a century after those steps first climbed the cobbled streets of Horley Green in Halifax. Therefore this, I believe, was Parker Street. Same day, same town, different street, different washing.
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