A postmark of August 18, 1903 showing Briggate looking north from the junction with Boar Lane and Duncan Street. Sutton's mantle warehouse is on the corner on the left, on the site now occupied by McDonalds. Many people are out and about including a policeman in the middle of the road.placeholder image
A postmark of August 18, 1903 showing Briggate looking north from the junction with Boar Lane and Duncan Street. Sutton's mantle warehouse is on the corner on the left, on the site now occupied by McDonalds. Many people are out and about including a policeman in the middle of the road. | Artemis, Leeds City Council

Historic colour-tinted postcards put Leeds city centre landmarks in focus

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 9th Oct 2024, 04:45 GMT

They are the historic colour-tinted postcards which provide an intriguing insight into life around the city centre during the early 20th century.

A vast array of city centre landmarks ranging from Leeds General Infirmary and Kirkgate Market are featured in this collection of postcards which date from 1900 onwards. Also in focus are familiar city centre streets such as Boar Lane, Park Row, Commercial Street, Kirkgate, Briggate and Vicar Lane. The postcards are published courtesy of Artemis whose collection is housed on photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. READ MORE: 16 amazing photos showcase life in Leeds during the 1890s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

Postcard with a postdate of July 5, 1908 showing Briggate looking north from the junction with Boar Lane and Duncan Street. Sutton's mantle warehouse is on the far left followed by Edward Bissington, hatter and hosier. The tall building further along is the Imperial Hotel.

7. Briggate

Postcard with a postdate of July 5, 1908 showing Briggate looking north from the junction with Boar Lane and Duncan Street. Sutton's mantle warehouse is on the far left followed by Edward Bissington, hatter and hosier. The tall building further along is the Imperial Hotel. | Artemis, Leeds City Council Photo: Artemis, Leeds City Council

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Looking north along Briggate from the junction with Boar Lane and Duncan Street. Sutton's mantle warehouse is on the left followed by Edward Bissington, hatter and hosier. The street is busy with people and two open-top trams are seen on the road as well as horses and carts.

8. Briggate

Looking north along Briggate from the junction with Boar Lane and Duncan Street. Sutton's mantle warehouse is on the left followed by Edward Bissington, hatter and hosier. The street is busy with people and two open-top trams are seen on the road as well as horses and carts. | Artemis, Leeds City Council Photo: Artemis, Leeds City Council

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Postcard with a 1915 postmark showing the statue of Edward the Black Prince situated in the centre of City Square. Steps in the foreground are flanked on either side by the 'Morn' and 'Even' lamp statues sculpted by Alfred Drury : four pairs of these are placed around the circular walls of City Square.

9. City Square

Postcard with a 1915 postmark showing the statue of Edward the Black Prince situated in the centre of City Square. Steps in the foreground are flanked on either side by the 'Morn' and 'Even' lamp statues sculpted by Alfred Drury : four pairs of these are placed around the circular walls of City Square. | Artemis, Leeds City Council Photo: Artemis, Leeds City Council

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Briggate looking north from around the early 20th century. Shops visible include C.S. Broadbent Ltd., drapers, at nos. 133-135 on the right.

10. Briggate

Briggate looking north from around the early 20th century. Shops visible include C.S. Broadbent Ltd., drapers, at nos. 133-135 on the right. | Artemis, Leeds City Council Photo: Artemis, Leeds City Council

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Postcard with a postmark of July 16, 1908, showing Briggate looking north. On the right is E. Barnsbee & Co., drapers, then Boots the Chemist after the junction with King Edward Street. A tram obscures shops on the left. The street is crowded with pedestrians including a policeman in the middle of the road.

11. Briggate

Postcard with a postmark of July 16, 1908, showing Briggate looking north. On the right is E. Barnsbee & Co., drapers, then Boots the Chemist after the junction with King Edward Street. A tram obscures shops on the left. The street is crowded with pedestrians including a policeman in the middle of the road. | Artemis, Leeds City Council Photo: Artemis, Leeds City Council

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It runs between Briggate and Vicar Lane. Seen here from the Briggate end, shops include William Mooney & Sons, confectioners, Henry Manley, optician, and Arthur Botterill, jeweller, on the left and A. Pickering & Co., umbrella manufacturer and Sam Ferrand, hairdressing and shampooing rooms, on the right.

12. County Arcade

It runs between Briggate and Vicar Lane. Seen here from the Briggate end, shops include William Mooney & Sons, confectioners, Henry Manley, optician, and Arthur Botterill, jeweller, on the left and A. Pickering & Co., umbrella manufacturer and Sam Ferrand, hairdressing and shampooing rooms, on the right. | Artemis, Leeds City Council Photo: Artemis, Leeds City Council

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