Bradford Family Archive: stories and photographs from the people of Bradford

Discover family memories shared during lockdown.

The Bradford Family Archive is a project developed by New Focus our young people’s collective. During lockdown New Focus asked the people of Bradford to share family stories and photos via Facebook and Instagram to become part of an online archive. New Focus collected over sixty photographs and created a short film to highlight some of the stories uncovered.

The film takes us back in time, sparking memories of places forgotten, with photographs dating back to the early 1900s. Highlights include images of Bradford’s iconic locations, such as an amazing panorama from the top of City Hall’s clock tower. Local heroes include Lilian Armitage, a suffragette and the first secretary of the Women’s Social and Political Union in Bradford. The film also reveals journeys to Bradford, with contributions from members of Community Works’ Nani Ji group (a social group for older Asian women) who have shared objects they brought to Bradford to remind them of their hometowns in Pakistan and elsewhere.

Bradford Family Archive is funded by Bradford Council as part of the Response Programme, and supported by Arts Council England. Thank you to everyone who shared their family stories and photographs.

Watch the film: Bradford Family Archive

14 minutes
Produced by New Focus

Bradford Family Archive: stories and photographs from the people of Bradford — Impressions Gallery — Lillian Armitage, the first secretary of the Women's Social and Political Union, in Bradford. Photograph shared by her granddaughter Pat Rhodes.

Photograph from Imogen Sullivan, of Beckfoot Thornton, Bradford City Hall, 1958 — Robert Clegg (right) helping paint Bradford City Hall in 1958. Photograph shared by his granddaughter Imogen Sullivan of Beckfoot Thornton School.

Photograph from Sarah Aherne — Frank Ahern, photograph shared by his granddaughter Sarah Aherne.

Photograph by Isla Stead-Price, holding a watch that has been passed down four generations of her family. — Precious watch that has been passed down four generations of the family. Photograph shared by Isla Stead-Price.

New Focus

About New Focus

New Focus is Impressions Gallery’s award-winning collective for young people who live, work or study in Bradford. New Focus gives 16 to 25-year olds the opportunity to get involved, make decisions on specific projects, and develop key skills for their future careers. Formed in 2012, New Focus works closely with Impressions and Bradford’s diverse communities to develop creative projects that inspire and engage other young people.