The archive is extensive and we aim to make many of these images available online.
*MARCH 2024 UPDATE*
Our Other Collections section is growing, with several new collections just published and others in the pipeline.
We have a new set of images entitled 'In the Paper: Clarets Fans and the Burnley Express' produced by Lancashire Archives as part of the Clarets Collective Archive in Burnley Central Library basement. Find more details from this Upcoming Events link.
We are now operating without the benefit of Heritage Lottery Funding and to help us continue would welcome donations. Please contact us for details about how to make a donation or donate online by visiting our page at JUSTGIVING
Or scan our Just Giving account QR Code
There are now over 13,541 images on the website. Our archive rooms are now fully operational although we continue to take a cautious approach. We WELCOME NEW VOLUNTEERS and have vacancies on our Thursday afternoon sessions. If you can spare a couple of hours why not contact us and arrange a visit to the archive. All that is needed are some basic computer skills and an interest in local history.
PENDLE AND WEST CRAVEN images in the Surrounding Districts pages will also now include images from 1963 to 1970 which are scanned from negatives (in addition to those scanned from photographs). These image stories are being transcribed from Nelson Library newspaper film rolls.
We have produced a short history about the project which you can download.
50 years Ago
Admiring these framed wild flower miniatures by Sybilla Studios are, from the left, Mrs Rosetta Hargreaves, of East view, Read, and Mrs Joan Walker, from Hyde, who is on holiday with her sister Mrs. Evelyn Bownhill of Read.
From an article by Sheila McLennan:
In an age where mass production has become a way of life, it is refreshing to see a small community striving to preserve the best of the craftsman's art. The village leading the way is Higham, now famous as a venue for the annual Easter Sale and Arts and Crafts Exhibition. This, the third event, opened on Thursday 11th April 1974, and continues until Saturday.
Already more than 1,300 visitors had crowded there by Good Friday evening, and the forecasts are that last year's total of 8,000 will be surpassed without difficulty. The emphasis this year is more on local talent rather than out-of-town professional work - a factor which should induce many "unknowns" to come forward for future events. The exhibition retains its vitality and undoubted cottage industry appeal, with work on show from Preston, Rochdale and Bury as well as from surrounding districts.
