LOST scenes from Meltham’s past are among those captured in a collection of sketches.
Meltham Past and Present, by John Mitchell, contains 24 sketches of scenes from the village from 100 years ago to the present day.
John, a Meltham resident of 45 years, based his sketches on photographs in local libraries. He has accompanied the sketches with a history of each scene.
Included in the book, which has been printed to coincide with Meltham Memories Weekend this weekend, are sketches of several buildings which have long since been demolished.
These include the Isle of Sky Hotel, which stood until the 1950s at the junction of Wessenden Head Road and Greenfield Road.
Also included are Moor View Hospital, Slaithwaite Road, which was knocked down in the 1960s, and Meltham Railway Station which is now the site of Morrison’s superstore.
The book also features current scenes, including one sketched from the top of West Nab.
Mr Mitchell, a retired council officer, has been a member of Colne Valley Art Society for 18 years so he’s no stranger to drawing and painting.
John, 72, said: “I’ve always had an interest in art.
“As I was travelling around the country I’d seen quite a few similar books and I thought I could do as well as that.
“There’s something interesting in every town. The hardest part was selecting which scenes to do. I’m very pleased with it.”
Meltham Past and Present is available, priced £9.50, from Meltham Library, Hutson’s Newsagent, Scotty’s Barber and Durker Roods Hotel. It will also be available from St Bartholomew’s Church during Meltham Memories Weekend.
