Come and explore the world’s largest collection of photographs of the Wakefield District. There are over 20,000 to browse.

These often unique snap shots of local places, people, events and jobs offer small windows into our shared past.

Photographs are an enduring record, freeze-framing life as it changes. They capture the moments we may have missed and somehow they take you back, even if you weren’t there, bringing people and places, long since disappeared to life.

Knowing about the past in our area subtly changes how we see the present. We are reminded that we can only be a link in a long chain of generations.

Start searching!

Look up places and addresses and see if time has changed them. Search under WHERE and pick an address from the list. eg. the six chimneys on Kirkgate

Search for community events, under THEME
Why not see how Pontefract celebrated VE Day in 1945?

Want to know what life was like at a special date in time, or doing a project on the 1960s? Search under WHEN and add some dates.

Want to see more of some of the District’s famous shops, factories and residents? Search under WHO and pick from the list.

Important collections

Jack Hulme

Search under WHO and pick Hulme, Jack from the list.

Jack Hulme’s photographs of the pit village of Fryston, on the outskirts of Castleford, are a fascinating, unique and revealing record of a mining community in the mid 1900s. He was born in the village, but after an injury, was unable to work as a miner. When his wife, Rose, bought him a Leica camera he became the village photographer. He captured the ordinary – domestic chores, playing in the street, the daily grind - something that was seldom done then. From the National Strike to the Miners’ Strike he witnessed the passing of the industrial age in Yorkshire.

Richard Clarkson

Search under WHO and pick Clarkson, Richard from the list.

Richard Clarkson was a striking miner during the Miners’ strike in 1984 – 1985. He took pictures of picket lines, meetings and rallies, and confrontations with the police. His position during the struggle gave him full access and a unique view during the strike. He also took snapshots of home life and the events organised by the families of miners.

Seen something you like? Want a copy? Please contact us at museumsandarts@wakefield.gov.uk