Leeds in the 1980s: 23 hardworking photos take you back to the factory floor

By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 2nd Oct 2024, 04:45 BST

This wonderful gallery takes you on the factory floor and beyond of Leeds firms in the 1980s.

They showcase the city’s proud trade and industry during the decade and are sure to evoke memories for a generation of workers who helped keep the wheels of profit and progress turning. The photos, plucked from the YEP archive, take you on the shop floor, inside warehouses and canteens as well as focus on familiar faces at firms across the city. READ MORE: 31 photos of Leeds office staff you may have worked with in the 1980s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

Steven Roberts makes up a window frame to a customer's specifications at Cold Shield Windows in July 1981.

1. Leeds trade and industry

Steven Roberts makes up a window frame to a customer's specifications at Cold Shield Windows in July 1981. | YPN Photo: YPN

Yorkshire Chemicals on Kirkstall Road pictured in March 1988.

2. Leeds trade and industry

Yorkshire Chemicals on Kirkstall Road pictured in March 1988. | YPN Photo: YPN

The new Crabtree Vickers factory on Leathley Road in September 1981. It offered 130,000sq ft of office and production space.

3. Leeds trade and industry

The new Crabtree Vickers factory on Leathley Road in September 1981. It offered 130,000sq ft of office and production space. | YPN Photo: YPN

Inside the Hunslet depot of Crossley's builders' supplies in April 1985.

4. Leeds trade and industry

Inside the Hunslet depot of Crossley's builders' supplies in April 1985. | YPN Photo: YPN

Printing machine manufacturers Crabtree Vickers. Pictured in February 1983.

5. Leeds trade and industry

Printing machine manufacturers Crabtree Vickers. Pictured in February 1983. | YPN Photo: YPN

Did you work here back in the day? Courtaulds Mill in Bramley pictured in May 1988.

6. Leeds trade and industry

Did you work here back in the day? Courtaulds Mill in Bramley pictured in May 1988. | YPN Photo: YPN

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