From workplace disputes and new technology to community projects, local campaigns and unforgettable moments on the high street, these photographs capture the people, places and stories that shaped the Black Country and Staffordshire in 1990.
It was a year of change and debate, with residents taking to the streets over the Poll Tax, businesses investing for the future, and communities coming together to raise money, celebrate achievements and protect the things that mattered to them.
From Walsall and Wolverhampton to Cannock, Dudley and beyond, this collection offers a fascinating snapshot of everyday life - the familiar faces, local landmarks and events that many will remember.
Take a look through the gallery and see which memories come flooding back. Do you recognise anyone or have your own memories of these places and events? Share them in the comments.
Take a trip back to Brierley Hill in the 1980s and explore our nostalgic gallery here.
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17. The wartime discovery that brought Oldbury to a standstill
More than 200 Second World War mortar bombs were uncovered next to a chemical plant in Oldbury in January 1990, after a workman digging at Bird’s Hauliers in Tat Bank Road made the discovery. Army bomb disposal experts were called in, with one live device safely detonated and a second controlled explosion considered. The discovery caused road closures and concern among nearby residents, with the sound of the blast prompting worried calls to police. It was an extraordinary reminder of the wartime history hidden beneath the ground. Do you remember the day Oldbury was brought to a standstill by this discovery? | Express & Star archive
18. The new Stafford garden that opened in 1990
Gardeners Claire Bradbury and Marianne Abbott are pictured at Wolsley Garden Park, near Stafford, shortly after it opened in May 1990. The new attraction brought colourful displays and carefully tended gardens for visitors to enjoy, offering a peaceful place to explore and spend time outdoors. The photograph captures a new chapter for a Staffordshire beauty spot in its early days. Do you remember visiting Wolsley Garden Park when it first opened? | Express & Star archive
19. The Wolverhampton company setting out with big ambitions
Chris Shaw, Niall McKenzie, John Popham, Sue Bolter and Kishor Tailor are pictured at the launch of Economic Policy Services Ltd. in Clark Road, Wolverhampton, in May 1990. The new specialist company was established to provide economic policy advice at a time when businesses and communities were adapting to a changing economy. The photograph captures a moment of new beginnings in Wolverhampton’s business scene at the start of the 1990s. Do you remember the businesses and workplaces that once lined the streets of Wolverhampton? | Express & Star archive
20. The Walsall ambulance staff march for fair pay
Walsall paramedics Craig Tierney, Alf Jones, Roy Breadsmore, Brian Groom and George Devereaux are pictured taking part in a protest march in January 1990, calling for fair pay for ambulance staff. The demonstration reflected growing concerns among workers about pay, conditions and the pressures faced by those providing emergency care. The photograph captures a moment of solidarity as ambulance crews came together to make their voices heard. Do you remember the ambulance staff pay protests of 1990? | Express & Star archive