The gallery predominately focuses on the summer of 1939, capturing the daily grind and routine of people unaware that just weeks later - early September to be exact - that Britain and its allies would be at war after Germany's invasion of Poland. The Second World War would go on to become the largest and deadliest conflict in human history. Landmarks in focus in this collection include Leeds Town Hall, The Headrow and City Square as well as familiar streets such as Briggate, Wellington Street, Boar Lane and Albion Street. They are a mix from West Yorkshire Archive Service and others published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. READ MORE: 40 photo gems of Leeds city centre from the 1940s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP NEWSLETTERS: Sign up for free and news and sport emails
7. Leeds city centre in 1939
The Old Hall Hotel on Wade Lane during demolition. This had closed in 1937 and, as can be seen from the sign, there were plans to build an Odeon Cinema on the site. However after demolition the site was used for a car park until the early 1960s when the Merrion Centre was built. An Odeon cinema did open in the centre in August 1964 and closed on October 30, 1977. Merrion Street is in the foreground of the photograph. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
8. Leeds city centre in 1939
James Hare Ltd on Wellington Street., The company logo boasted 'Britains Best Botany Blues'. It was a woollen warehouse business. To the left is Brittania Street. Pictured in June 1939. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
9. Leeds city centre in 1939
Miller Page furniture store looking from junction of Wormald Row. Shop is at 119 Albion Street. Junction with Upper Fountaine Street can be seen on left. Pictured in August 1939. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
10. Leeds city centre in 1939
The Duke of Kent visiting Quarry Hill flats with civic digniitaries. ALthough the first stage of the construction had bee completed in March, 1938 other parts of the flats were still under construction as seen in the photo from June 1939. Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service
11. Leeds city centre in 1939
Electricity Showrooms on The Headrow next to the Tax Offices on the corner. There is an entrance to the Electricity Showrooms also on Albion Street. Cars and motorcyles can be seen at the traffic lights. Pictured in August 1939. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
12. Leeds city centre in 1939
Traffic by the junction of Great George Street and Portland Crescent in July 1939. Woodhouse Lane can be seen in the background. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net