Step back in time with a nostalgic look at everyday life, local industry and community spirit across Walsall and the surrounding area between 1960 and 1965.
From high streets and historic landmarks to factory floors, royal visits and familiar faces, these photographs capture a changing Black Country at the start of the 1960s.
Featuring scenes from Aldridge, Bloxwich, Darlaston and Brownhills to many other places across the area, the collection offers a fascinating glimpse of places and moments that have since disappeared or changed beyond recognition.
Take a trip down memory lane, see how many familiar faces and places you can spot, and share your memories in the comments.
- Travel back to Wolverhampton in 1969 with these 61 pictures, guaranteed to bring back memories. View them here.
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1. Splitting hides in the leather capital
Skilled tanners feed heavy cowhides through a massive splitting machine at a Walsall leatherworks in May 1962. Dressed in protective aprons and heavy boots, the workforce carefully manages the delicate, highly precise process that slices thick hides into uniform sheets ready for finishing. As the heart of the nation’s saddlery, harness, and fine leather goods trade, Walsall’s tanneries relied on the master craftsmanship and expertise of local workers to supply high-grade materials across the globe. Did you or anyone in your family work in the famous Walsall leather trade back in the day? | Express & Star archive
2. Cooling towers and canal boats on the skyline
Traditional wooden canal narrowboats sit moored along the towpath as the imposing cooling towers and chimneys of Walsall Power Station dominate the background in October 1964. Captured from the banks of the canal near Bloxwich, the dramatic scene perfectly illustrates the blend of classic Black Country waterways and heavy industrial power generation that defined the local landscape. Generating electricity for surrounding towns and factories throughout the post-war era, the massive station was one of the borough's most unmistakable landmarks until its eventual closure and demolition. Do you remember watching the steam rise from the giant cooling towers when walking along the canal? | Express & Star archive
3. Back in collar and tie for pre-season at Fellows Park
Walsall FC players report back for training at Fellows Park on July 18, 1960, looking sharp in their suits and ties ahead of the new campaign. Manager Bill Moore takes centre stage sharing a joke with the squad, alongside director W. L. Aston, chairman Ernie Thomas, and trainer Vic Potts. Fresh off winning the Fourth Division title, the Saddlers were gathering momentum for another legendary promotion push, capturing a golden era of camaraderie and optimism for the club. Do you remember watching Bill Moore’s famous side during their remarkable rise through the divisions? | Express & Star archive
4. Second-hand sparkler on the 15 to Blakenall
Walsall Corporation trolleybus No. 873 hums along the road on the number 15 route bound for Blakenall in 1961. Originally built for the Grimsby Cleethorpes transport system, this double-decker electric vehicle found a second lease of life serving passengers across Walsall's extensive transport network. Repainted in the municipal fleet's distinctive light blue livery, the bus offers a vibrant look at the electric street transport that kept local commuters moving before the era of all-diesel fleets took over. Do you remember riding the second-hand trolleybuses around Walsall or catching the 15 out to Blakenall? | Picture: Jack Haddock