The south side of Boar Lane showing the junction with Gascoigne Street on the left, next to no 18, Thoughts and Crosses, greeting cards. On the right is no. 20a, Pizza Romana. The area between is fenced off, with fly posting covering the fencing. A man and boy are walking past. Pictured in June 1980.placeholder image
The south side of Boar Lane showing the junction with Gascoigne Street on the left, next to no 18, Thoughts and Crosses, greeting cards. On the right is no. 20a, Pizza Romana. The area between is fenced off, with fly posting covering the fencing. A man and boy are walking past. Pictured in June 1980. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Nostalgic photos take you back to Leeds in the 1980s

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 1st Jan 2025, 04:45 GMT

These wonderful photos turn back the clock to a time of sharp suits and shoulder pads.

The 1980s are the focus of this trip down memory lane to showcase life around Leeds city centre and its suburbs. Harehills, Rawdon, Hunslet and Headingley are just some of the communities featured in this fantastic rewind. The images are from 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: 16 of the best colour photos celebrate life in Leeds during 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

Ashley Road showing junctions with Florence Street, Scarth Avenue and Ashley Terrace in September 1984. Shops in view are DJ's greengrocers and off licence, Diamond Taxis, a fish and chip shop and Patrick Alan's hairdressers.

7. Harehills

Ashley Road showing junctions with Florence Street, Scarth Avenue and Ashley Terrace in September 1984. Shops in view are DJ's greengrocers and off licence, Diamond Taxis, a fish and chip shop and Patrick Alan's hairdressers. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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YMCA building on Albion Place, built on the site of the former Leeds Stock Exchange. Used as the YMCA until 1984. Shops on the ground floor of the building are Eastwood tobacconist and Bentley Films photographic equipment.

8. Leeds city centre

YMCA building on Albion Place, built on the site of the former Leeds Stock Exchange. Used as the YMCA until 1984. Shops on the ground floor of the building are Eastwood tobacconist and Bentley Films photographic equipment. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Commercial Street in January 1980. Prams are pictured outside the the surgery of Doctors M. Bhatia, J. Lynagh and C.J. Garrett. On the right is the Black Bull pub.

9. Rothwell

Commercial Street in January 1980. Prams are pictured outside the the surgery of Doctors M. Bhatia, J. Lynagh and C.J. Garrett. On the right is the Black Bull pub. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Junction of Ingram Road and Domestic Street in September 1980 showing clearance site and new council houses in the background.

10. Holbeck

Junction of Ingram Road and Domestic Street in September 1980 showing clearance site and new council houses in the background. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Domestic Street in Holbeck. On right is William Hill, bookmakers, next is a petrol station. Advertising hoardings can be seen, including for Renault cars and the Leeds & Holbeck Building Society, which is further along the road.

11. Holbeck

Domestic Street in Holbeck. On right is William Hill, bookmakers, next is a petrol station. Advertising hoardings can be seen, including for Renault cars and the Leeds & Holbeck Building Society, which is further along the road. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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The premises of E.J.Arnold and Son Ltd, educational printers and publishers, on Butterley Street, off Hunslet Road. Pictured in March 1980.

12. Hunslet

The premises of E.J.Arnold and Son Ltd, educational printers and publishers, on Butterley Street, off Hunslet Road. Pictured in March 1980. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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