IMAGES of Britain’s historic past are bound for Huddersfield.
Queensgate Market has been chosen to host The Victorian Society’s ‘Saving a century’ photographic exhibition.
It will open in the Market Hall on Tuesday, February 19, and run until Saturday, March 30.
Leading architectural historian, Gavin Stamp, has put together an exhibition illustrating some of the Victorian Society’s most remarkable campaigns.
Among them is the battle to save St Pancras, Liverpool’s Albert Dock, the Foreign Office and the much-regretted Euston Arch.
The former Sunday School in Lord Street, Huddersfield town centre is among the exhibition.
This building is under threat from Kirklees Council’s development plans.
Using archive photographs and material from throughout the Victorian Society’s 50 years of fighting for historic buildings, the exhibition charts the successes and defeats of the organisation that has done so much to change public attitudes towards the best of the nineteenth century architecture.
Dr Ian Dungavell, director of the Society, said: “‘Saving a Century’ tells the extraordinary story of battles that have shaped our towns and cities.
“Without these campaigns, many of our most famous places would look very different today. The exhibition is a testament to the energy and vision of the early members of the Victorian Society as well as a sobering reminder of the way that public opinion and tastes change.”
Kirklees councillor Peter McBride, Cabinet Member for Investment and Regeneration, said: “This national exhibition has toured the country visiting a number of key cities, universities and museums.
“I am delighted that the Victorian Society, through the Huddersfield Civic Society, has chosen to bring this celebrated and renowned exhibition to Queensgate Market.
“We have great architecture throughout Kirklees, particularly in the town centres and I’m certain that our residents will enjoy the exhibition which provides a fascinating insight into the historic architecture of the country and the work of the Victorian Society.”
The Victorian Society is the national charity campaigning for the Victorian and Edwardian historic environment.
