Bond Street, showing Powolny's Restaurant in the centre. The entrance to the restaurant has an awning, with a six sided clock above. The large neon sign "Powolny's" stretches across numbers 4 and 5 on the first floor. Number 4 is Martina, gown specialist, with displays of dresses in the windows. To the left of Powolney's entrance, a florist, to the right,Tetley, tobacco service. At number 6 on the right is Pearson & Denham, photographic material dealers. At the far left is a sign for Polly's Bar. The building has unusual decorative balconies at roof level below the gable ends, and shallow bay windows with curved glass above the entrance. In the foreground, a motorcycle and sidecar combination, and the rear of a Triumph convertible car. Pictured in June 1950.Bond Street, showing Powolny's Restaurant in the centre. The entrance to the restaurant has an awning, with a six sided clock above. The large neon sign "Powolny's" stretches across numbers 4 and 5 on the first floor. Number 4 is Martina, gown specialist, with displays of dresses in the windows. To the left of Powolney's entrance, a florist, to the right,Tetley, tobacco service. At number 6 on the right is Pearson & Denham, photographic material dealers. At the far left is a sign for Polly's Bar. The building has unusual decorative balconies at roof level below the gable ends, and shallow bay windows with curved glass above the entrance. In the foreground, a motorcycle and sidecar combination, and the rear of a Triumph convertible car. Pictured in June 1950.
Bond Street, showing Powolny's Restaurant in the centre. The entrance to the restaurant has an awning, with a six sided clock above. The large neon sign "Powolny's" stretches across numbers 4 and 5 on the first floor. Number 4 is Martina, gown specialist, with displays of dresses in the windows. To the left of Powolney's entrance, a florist, to the right,Tetley, tobacco service. At number 6 on the right is Pearson & Denham, photographic material dealers. At the far left is a sign for Polly's Bar. The building has unusual decorative balconies at roof level below the gable ends, and shallow bay windows with curved glass above the entrance. In the foreground, a motorcycle and sidecar combination, and the rear of a Triumph convertible car. Pictured in June 1950.

Leeds in 1950: Photo gems showcase a year in the life of the city centre

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson
Published 9th Jul 2023, 04:45 BST

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These evocative photos showcase a year in the life of Leeds city centre at the dawn of a new decade.

They turn back the clock to 1950 and take you down Bond Street, Boar Lane, Commercial Street and The Headrow to showcase shops, pubs and restaurants. The gallery also features a range of well known landmarks including St. Peter's Church on Kirkgate. 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: 33 closed Leeds pubs which will stir fond memories for drinkers LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

The south side of Park Lane pictured in June 1950. Premises in focus are C. Kershaw, nurseryman; Muscroft & Co. Ltd., wines and spirits; Office Supplies (Northern) Ltd.and P. Godlove, tailor. Pedestrians and a parked car are in front of the shops, which have two ladders propped against them.

7. Leeds in 1950

The south side of Park Lane pictured in June 1950. Premises in focus are C. Kershaw, nurseryman; Muscroft & Co. Ltd., wines and spirits; Office Supplies (Northern) Ltd.and P. Godlove, tailor. Pedestrians and a parked car are in front of the shops, which have two ladders propped against them. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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The south side of Park Lane in June 1950. The premises are; number 59, C. Kershaw, nurseryman; number 61, Muscroft & Co. Ltd., wines and spirits; number 63, Office Supplies (Northern) Ltd; number 65, P. Godlove, tailor. A car and a handcart are in front. Pedestrians can be seen, as can a ladder against Godlove's wall.

8. Leeds in 1950

The south side of Park Lane in June 1950. The premises are; number 59, C. Kershaw, nurseryman; number 61, Muscroft & Co. Ltd., wines and spirits; number 63, Office Supplies (Northern) Ltd; number 65, P. Godlove, tailor. A car and a handcart are in front. Pedestrians can be seen, as can a ladder against Godlove's wall. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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The North Eastern Hotel on Catherine Street, at the junction with Cross Catherine Street. The hotel's sign advertises 'Kirkstall Ales'. Another advertisement for 'Mercer's Meat Stout' can be seen. Pictured in September 1950.

9. Leeds in 1950

The North Eastern Hotel on Catherine Street, at the junction with Cross Catherine Street. The hotel's sign advertises 'Kirkstall Ales'. Another advertisement for 'Mercer's Meat Stout' can be seen. Pictured in September 1950. Photo: Leeds Museums Service

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St. Peter's Church on Kirkgate. On the opposite side of the road is a park with circular flower beds behind metal railings. Pictured in April 1950.

10. Leeds in 1950

St. Peter's Church on Kirkgate. On the opposite side of the road is a park with circular flower beds behind metal railings. Pictured in April 1950. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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The North Eastern Hotel on Catherine Street, at the junction with Cross Catherine Street. The hotel's sign advertises 'Kirkstall Ales'. Pictured in September 1950.

11. Leeds in 1950

The North Eastern Hotel on Catherine Street, at the junction with Cross Catherine Street. The hotel's sign advertises 'Kirkstall Ales'. Pictured in September 1950. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Cankerwell Lane pictured in September 1950. A faded, painted sign on the wall would have read 'Adolph Scott & Co, Cigar Manufacturers'.

12. Leeds in 1950

Cankerwell Lane pictured in September 1950. A faded, painted sign on the wall would have read 'Adolph Scott & Co, Cigar Manufacturers'. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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