The images rewind to the 1930s and 1940s and showcase how this landmark thoroughfare was home to a range of shops including the Co-op, the doyen of city centre stores which aimed to present a brave new shopping face to shoppers across the city and beyond. The photos 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: Go inside the Co-op's flagship Leeds Albion Street store during the 1980s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
. Albion Street
Enjoy these photo memories of Albion Street in the 1930s and 1940s. PIC: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
. Albion Street in the 1930s
Albion Street in September 1935. Pictured on the left is Rex Holliday artists supplies. Next junction with St Anns Street with garage and car showroom 'Standard Cars'. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
. Albion Street in the 1930s
Albion Street pictured in February 1930. On right, part of the Leeds Industrial Co-operative Society building. The company HQ was on Albion Street they had two blocks of property one on each side of the road. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
. Albion Street in the 1930s
Albion Street showing Jowett and Sowry, Swift Bros. debt collectors, tobacconist with sign for Gold Flake, Players and newspaper placard outside. The photo dates back to September 1937. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
. Albion Street in the 1930s
Albion Street, looking south to The Headrow and the junction with Woodhouse Lane in September 1935. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
. Albion Street in the 1930s
Albion Street, looking south to Boar Lane across The Headrow, in August 1939. St Ann's Buildings housed Hillman Brothers wireless factors, Leeds Premier Supply Co. clothing club, Miss Lizzie Crosby artist, Loyal Order of Ancient Sheperds Friendly Society. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
7. Albion Street in the 1940s
Empty shops on Albion Street in December 1940. Pictured, from left, is Tower Buildings, then C. Taylor, Motor Tyres and Accessories. The purpose of the small brick structure with wooden door is unknown Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
8. Albion Street in the 1930s
Miller Page furniture store on Albion Street looking from junction of Wormald Row in August 1939.The junction with Upper Fountaine Street can be seen on left. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
9. Albion Street in the 1940s
The premises of the Leeds Industrial Co-Operative Society Ltd. on Albion Street pictured in March 1945.. Several cars are parked in front. The nearest (possibly a staff car) has a soldier in the driving seat. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
10. Albion Street in the 1940s
The factory entrance of Laufers, wholesale clothiers on Albion Street in November 1946. The shop window has an advertisement for Star Amusements and Shooting Gallery, further along. A Jaguar car is parked outside. St Ann Street is on the left. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
11. Albion Street in the 1940s
The junction of Albion Street and Butts Court (on the left) in August 1949. The premises are G.L. Barker, accountant; J.W. Bulmer, tailor and Hindle, Son & Lewis, estate agents. On Butts Court are the premises of Wiggins, Teape & Alex Pirie Ltd, paper makers, and Allied Paper Merchants Ltd. (Joseph Towne & Sons). Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
12. Albion Street in the 1940s
Leeds Industrial Co-operative Society shop pictured in November 1944 showing front with large display windows on upper floors. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net