A Harmless Hunter

Diana The Huntress is about to draw an arrow from her quiver and shoot a passing deer cantering along Park Road at the bottom of People's Park in Halifax. Those familiar with the statue today will note that she's lost a bit of her arm since I took this photograph 60 years ago. Please Note: … Continue reading A Harmless Hunter

Seaside Drive

It's holiday time. It's time for the seaside. I'll try to remember to send you a postcard.

Movement On Parade

These days, any semi-smart phone would take a perfectly sharp, full-coloured photograph, but fifty-odd years ago in the parade ring at Sandown Park racecourse, the shutter speed was too slow and the colours were too grey. There is movement there, however, and a rainbow's worth of atmosphere.

Timeless Halifax

For most of my life, I have not been capable of walking down Shaw Lane or Boys Lane in Halifax without taking a photograph (or calling in The Shears for a pint, but that's another story). This particular photo dates from 1978, but it's almost the same as photos taken 10 years before or 40 … Continue reading Timeless Halifax

Huddersfield Piazza

I'm not sure how Huddersfield got a Piazza - it might have been near the end of a too-long Planning Committee meeting, it might have been a joke, and it was probably wishful thinking. But why shouldn't the town have a piazza if it wants one? Let it be filled with shops, and people, and … Continue reading Huddersfield Piazza

Letter To My Brother

Dear Rog, I think this is you, but I know from experience that you will be quick to correct me if I get the wrong place, the wrong year, or - heaven help us - the wrong person. My guess is that this is you on holiday in New Brighton around 1951. Let me know … Continue reading Letter To My Brother

Gog Hill

A photograph of the delightfully named Gog Hill in Elland from 45 years ago. Even then, it was a shadow of its former self, cleared of the layer after layer of houses that used to cling to this hillside. Generations of my wife's family had lived on or around Gog Hill, their stories woven into … Continue reading Gog Hill

Snicket In Halifax

No photographer worth his (or her) silver salts can pass this pathway off Old Lane in Halifax without taking a photograph like this as a tribute to the great photographer, Bill Brandt. Brandt's 1937 version of the scene ended up in New York's Museum of Modern Art. My 1980 version ended up as my calendar … Continue reading Snicket In Halifax

Dicka Smith

There's a name scribbled on the reverse of this early 20th century portrait from the Clark Studio of Blyth: "Dicka Smith." Given the time and place, there is a fair chance that Dicka was a miner. The strange object that seems to be supporting him was just one of the studio props that were popular … Continue reading Dicka Smith