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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21. The futuristic safe unveiled in Wolverhampton
John Skelton (back) and Rodney Bunyan are pictured with Chubb and Sons Lock and Safe Company’s new high-security plastic safe at the firm’s Wednesfield Road works in January 1990. Designed to withstand attacks using acid, power tools and torches, the innovative product had just won a 1990 British Design Award. The photograph captures a moment when Wolverhampton was at the centre of security technology and manufacturing. Do you remember Chubb’s famous Wednesfield Road works or the people who worked there? | Express & Star archive
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22. The Wolverhampton queue that captured Poll Tax anger
A long queue formed outside the Community Charge (Poll Tax) Office in Queen Square, Wolverhampton, in November 1990 as residents arrived seeking answers about the much-debated new charge. The scene reflects the confusion, frustration and opposition that surrounded one of the most controversial issues of the early 1990s. The photograph captures a moment when the Poll Tax was affecting households across Wolverhampton, the Black Country and beyond. Do you remember visiting the Community Charge office or discussing the Poll Tax at the time? | Express & Star archive
23. The giant toothbrush that gave Sister Dora a clean
Martin Ashcroft is pictured with a huge toothbrush beside Walsall’s Sister Dora Statue in March 1990, as he took part in a fundraising challenge to support the town’s cardiac rehabilitation unit in Hollyhedge Lane. The unusual stunt brought attention to the cause while giving one of Walsall’s best-known landmarks a very public clean. The photograph captures the creative ways people came together to raise money for local causes. Do you remember seeing Sister Dora getting her unusual spring clean? | Express & Star archive
24. The day Wolverhampton pupils took on a Jaguar jet
Sixth-formers at the Royal Wolverhampton School are pictured putting their strength to the test in March 1990 as they took on the challenge of pulling a Jaguar jet as part of their latest charity appeal. The unusual fundraiser gave pupils the chance to combine teamwork, determination and a little bit of spectacle to raise money for a good cause. The photograph captures the creative ways schools found to bring people together for charity. Do you remember taking part in unusual fundraising challenges at school? | Express & Star archive