Richmond Terrace looking towards Sudell Cross / Limbrick -- 1963

 

Looking along Richmond Terrace, towards Sudell Cross, from just below Victoria St, with the boundary wall of St John's Church to the right of the photo and the white tiled gable of the Library/Museum building in the middle distance.

To the left, just off this image, is where there was at one time (1950's - mid 60's?) a clinic, which I think was a pre-fabricated type of building and the doorway visible in the photo, just to the left of the traffic light pole was possibly where the dentist was (or was the entrance to the dentist around the corner, on Victoria St itself?)

Photo courtesy of John Eddleston

Victoria St viewed from Church St - 1963

Looking along Victoria St from Church St, with the Littlewoods store on the left, the junction of Lord St, the open market, market buildings and the rear of the Town Hall in the distance.

Photo courtesy of John Eddleston

Victoria Street - Wholesale Units - 1963

A section of Victoria St, where the premises were mainly occupied by wholesalers. On the extreme right of the photo is Fred Harty's place. Fred was the father of the now deceased TV presenter Russell Harty, who as a schoolboy worked with his father at times, so no doubt knew these premises well. 

The Harty property was on the corner of Cort St, which led down to Ainsworth St.

In the distance, where the lorry is, are more wholesale units and then some properties on the opposite side of Victoria St. Facing those wholesale units, just out of sight around that corner to the right, was the County Courts, which of course is still with us today. So where that pole is, with the road sign atop it is, is approximately where the exit from the shopping precinct (the one near the toilets) now is. Where those properties on the other side of Victoria St are, with the large signs on the gable, is where that very tall lamp, with the fountain below it is today.

Photo courtesy of John Eddleston

The Easter Fair - 1963

Following on from the previous photo, this is the same part of the Easter Fair, only viewed from the opposite end, from King William St and looking down towards Victoria St. The photographer would have been stood outside of what is now the Nat West Bank, on the corner of New Market St and K.W. St.

Courtesy of John Eddleston

Lord St viewed from Lord St West - 1963

Lord St viewed from Lord St West, looking across Northgate, with Johnny Forbes outfitters on the left and Watson & Wrigley (work wear?) on the right. Just out of view (sadly), beyond W & W is the old Wine Lodge.  I think that is probably its sign jutting out a bit towards the top of those premises.

Lower down on the left hand side is the National Provincial Bank (again) on the corner of King William St and further down Harrops, the Clarence pub, Rakestraws and in the distance, market stalls and the buildings on Victoria St.

Courtesy of John Eddleston

Lord St - 1963

Lord St viewed from its junction/crossroads with King William St and looking down towards the market square, Victoria St and the rear of the old Woolworths store.

Courtesy of John Eddleston

Stephen Horsfield - Local Artist / Local Scenes

Stephen Horsfield is a locally based artist with an interest in the history of the area, particularly his home town Blackburn. His paintings of our Victorian and Edwardian past portray the times well, while still managing to retain the earthy grittiness and even the gloom of the original photographs.

Below are three examples of his work, Victoria St, Church St (both Blackburn) and Bolton Rd in Darwen.

If you like what you see and would be interested in owning a print, Stephen can be contacted via e-mail at  horsy282@msn.com 

I think the prints come in two different sizes 12 x 16 inches and 20 x 24 inches and are on canvas.

I believe he will also do commissioned work, so if you have a favourite image / photograph (Notre Dame Convent maybe? The old market clock tower?, the Vulcan pub?), then contact Stephen and he will advise on time scale, delivery / collection and costs.

DISCLAIMER :  I must stress here, that any transaction is strictly between yourself and the artist and vice versa. Neither myself or the site will become involved in any disputes, financial or otherwise. 

Please click on the images to expand them a little.

Victoria Street by Stephen Horsefield

Church Street by Stephen Horsefield

Bolton Road, Darwen by Stephen Horsfield

Images courtesy of and with the permission of S. Horsfield

Victoria Street in the 1920's

Victoria Street in the 1920's. On the extreme right, on the corner of the top end of Ainsworth Street are Hunter's Tea Merchants. A little further left is the Maypole store and then Althams, who were also a tea merchant/store. Beyond the tram, is the impressive looking Crown Hotel and then the junction of Cort Street, just a little further along.

  Facing these properties and out of shot, would be the canvas covered stalls of the Market Square. This photo would have been taken from the foot of Lord Street.

COURTESY OF THE CP COLLECTION