September 1961 and machinists take a tea break at Joseph May and son (Leeds Ltd) clothing manufacturers on Whitehall Road. The firm began in 1859 and became a producer of ready to wear mens clothing under the brand name 'Maenson'placeholder image
September 1961 and machinists take a tea break at Joseph May and son (Leeds Ltd) clothing manufacturers on Whitehall Road. The firm began in 1859 and became a producer of ready to wear mens clothing under the brand name 'Maenson' | West Yorkshire Archive Service

12 of the best photos take you back to Leeds in 1961

These fabulous photos take you back to Leeds in the early 1960s

1961 was a year which featured the end of an era with the final performance at the Empire Theatre, success for Leeds RL and workers enjoying a well earned tea break. These photos are mainly a mix from the YEP archive and others published courtesy of West Yorkshire Archive Service, which collects and looks after the unique documentary heritage of the region dating from the 12th century to the present day - more than 800 years of local history. It also runs Catablogue, an online blog dedicated to preserving the past, serving the present and protecting the future. READ MORE: 26 rarely-seen photos take you around the city's suburbs in the 1960s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

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