Abbey Picture House on Abbey Road had become been welcoming movie goers for more than two decades when this photo was taken in August 1937. The 520 seat cinema boated an orchestral balcony with music provided by piano and violin. It is one of 12 photos turning the spotlight on LS5 during the 10 years dubbed the ‘Devil's Decade’ owing to high unemployment and the slide into war. The images are published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. They also run heritage blog The Secret Library Leeds, which provides a behind the scenes look at the Central Library and highlights from its special collections, including rare books hidden away in the stacks. READ MORE: Photo gems take you down Kirkstall Road in the 1960s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
7. Kirkstall in the 1930s
St. Simon's School, off Kirkstall Road circa 1930. The headteacher was Mr. Hodgson Photo: Third Party
8. Kirkstall in the 1930s
Morris Grove in August 1935. Looking up from Hesketh Road end towards railway line. There was no access to Morris Grove from the railway. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
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10. Kirkstall in the 1930s
The Rendezvous Hairdressing Salon on Vesper Road on the Hawksworth estate pictured in May 1933. A poster on wall outside advertises special offer on permanent waving. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
11. Kirkstall in the 1930s
Kirkstall Goit on Bridge Road in January 1937. The Police station is on the left in centre of photograph. Midland Bank can be seen on corner. A Leeds City Transport bus stop is visible on the right. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
12. Kirkstall in the 1930s
Green Brothers motor engineers on Commercial Road pictured in April 1937. Shows petrol kiosk with pumps to front and workshops accessible via mud track. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net