New photography exhibition shows a snapshot of life and times in Bradford

Part of the BD: Festival, the outdoor exhibition features more than 60 photographs exhibited across Bradford city centre. They have been chosen from hundreds of public submissions following an open call out by Impressions Gallery.  

The images can be seen on panels in Bradford city centre. The photographs were selected by a panel of judges including social documentary photographer Ian Beesley; Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director, Bradford 2025; Anne McNeill, Director, Impressions Gallery; Tamsin Silvey, Cultural Programme Curator, Historic England, and Phill Hargreaves, Head of Creative Programmes, Bradford Council.

Mr Beesley said he particularly likes On Broadway by Cath Muldowney. He said: “I like the atmosphere evoked by this image, the wistfulness of a damp winter’s evening is countered by the warm, bright inviting interior of the shop. The epitome of the corner shop so important to the local community.”

Mr Hargreaves highlighted Still Skating by Lauren Russel. He said: “The Ice rink played such an important part in my childhood and many people’s lives in Bradford. It’s been a cultural hub for many people and this image just brings back so many happy memories.”

Other images include tailor Ray Lister at work in Westgate, by Cath Muldowney; Mean Old Scene, a shot of John Street Market, by Elaine Taylor; and Fountains Coffee House, Bradford, by Jenna Greenwood; and Sollys by Rais Hasan,. a picture of a stall which is a Bradford institution; and Market Street by John Cade.

Ten of the images have been selected to be added to the Picturing High Streets national collection in the Historic England Archive, the nation’s archive for England’s historic buildings, archaeology and social history.

For more details visit www.impressions-gallery.com.