Photographer who documented valley life celebrated

A book celebrating the work of a working-class, female photographer from the 20th Century is being published.

Alice Longstaff, from Hebden Bridge, was known for her portrayals of life in the Calder Valley and its surrounding areas for more than 70 years.

Charity Pennine Heritage has curated a selection of her previously unseen images, some of which have been published for the first time.

Heritage manager Dr Andrew McTominey said Ms Longstaff's work had received more attention in recent years.

He said: "Alice's photographs are a unique historical archive showing everyday life in Hebden Bridge.

"More than that, though, they are a testament to the skill of a remarkable working-class, female talent who deserves to be recognised alongside more well-known peers."

Money from sales of End of the Roll: The Photographs of Alice Longstaff will be invested into Pennine Heritage to help the organisation continue to preserve the Longstaff collection.

Pennine Heritage vice-chair of trustees Judith Schofield called on Calder Valley residents to help identify people, places and stories featured in the images.

She said: "We hope the publication of Alice's rediscovered work will shed light on her unique talent for capturing the spirit of her subjects, and foster a renewed appreciation for her work within and beyond the Calder Valley.

"We'd love to gather more insights from the community to help identify people, places and stories featured in the images, as many who lived in Hebden Bridge were photographed by Alice over the decades."

Ms Longstaff began photography aged 14, taking up an apprenticeship in 1921 against her teachers' advice.

She became one of the most popular photographers in the region, capturing visual history of everyday life.

From 1935 she had her own studio in Hebden Bridge, where people could go to buy wedding and passport photos.

Following her passing in 1992, Pennine Heritage, a Hebden Bridge-based charity, inherited her collection, including many undeveloped negatives in unmarked envelopes, which remained a mystery.

With extensive restoration efforts, the collection - which captures ordinary moments in the lives of local people – is now a historic archive and a tribute to her talent.

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