There is a modern passion for "colourising" old monochrome photographs and films, and when this is skilfully done, it can provide a more accurate link to the past. Reproducing scenes in various shades of grey was simply a short interlude in our visual history - imposed by the technical limitations of early photographic techniques. Neither … Continue reading The Blue Skies And Mustard Streets Of Brighouse
Category: Postcards From Home
Changing Times In Elland
In some ways the centre of Elland has changed little since this photograph was taken 100 years ago, whilst in other ways it has changed so very much. The Saville Arms is still open, and still dispensing beer, but the bank opposite has stopped dispensing cash and many of the shops stand empty. The clock … Continue reading Changing Times In Elland
A Case Of Municipal Pride
Back in the early twentieth century, when picture postcards were all the rage, the subjects reflected what people saw as important, what they were proud of, what - to them - represented their home towns and villages. There were, of course, many pictures of celebrity music hall stars and vacuous views of pretty nothingness; but … Continue reading A Case Of Municipal Pride
A Pint At The Shibden Mill Inn
POSTCARDS FROM HOME : Shibden Mill Inn & Lake There are few pleasanter spots to enjoy a pint of beer on a summers' evening than the Shibden Mill Inn, and that has been the case for the best part of two hundred years. This particular postcard dates from the early part of the twentieth century … Continue reading A Pint At The Shibden Mill Inn
Back To The Past At Coley
COLEY HALL (Back View)Vintage Postcard (1920s) Unused It is many years since I first walked down Coley Lane and caught sight of Coley Hall. Memories from those days have already turned sepia, and therefore discovering this old picture postcard of the rear of the Hall, seems somehow appropriate. These days the Hall looks very smart, … Continue reading Back To The Past At Coley
Another Sunny Day In Halifax
Yet another sunny day in Halifax - but this one was 115 years ago. The blue skies, the heat-convecting stone, the glorious buildings - plus ça change, plus c'est la même.
Through The Mill From Shroggs Park
If there is a nineteenth century park or public building in Halifax, there is a fair chance that it was set out or erected by one of the Crossley Brothers. If not, it will be a near certainty that it was the work of Colonel Edward Ackroyd. Their names are woven into the very fabric … Continue reading Through The Mill From Shroggs Park
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
The Rocks And Hoards Of Halifax
If Halifax has anything, it has plenty of rocks. They build the steep valley sides, they support the heather-clad moors, they have provided the stone that has built the houses, and the coal that has powered the mills. To isolate just a few of these rocks, christen them as "The Rocks", and then stroll in … Continue reading The Rocks And Hoards Of Halifax
