Close

Walsall in the '80s: 19 retro images recalling fashions, faces and memorable moments

Step back into 1980s Walsall with this nostalgic gallery.

Plus
By Tania Taylor
Published
Last updated

From Miss Walsall sporting an arm sling after the Miss UK 1981 contest — where contestants battled a RAF assault course — to a very full swear box from brewery staff, these images capture the unforgettable hairstyles, makeup and fashions that defined the decade.

Take a look at the faces who brought the pages of the Express & Star to life in one of Walsall’s most iconic eras.

  • You can enjoy this and more with our weekly FREE Nostalgia Newsletter - with scores of archive pictures and exclusive features on the history of Wolverhampton, Staffordshire and the Black Country - all sent to your inbox every Friday. Sign up here

A display of work by students on the Datec Diploma Course at Walsall College of Art was on show in January 1984 at the Saddlers Centre. The photograph shows Yvette Hingley working on a piece of sculpture.
A display of work by students on the Datec Diploma Course at Walsall College of Art was on show in January 1984 at the Saddlers Centre. The photograph shows Yvette Hingley working on a piece of sculpture.
Workers at IMI Refiners Ltd staged a mass walkout after a management decision to lay off 10 men in the smelting plant in July 1989.
Workers at IMI Refiners Ltd staged a mass walkout after a management decision to lay off 10 men in the smelting plant in July 1989.
Employees of Ansells Brewery depot in Northgate, Aldridge, started a "swear bottle" in their bar, donating the money to the Children's Ward at Walsall Manor Hospital. The photograph shows Dennis Hopkins about to break open the bottle. December 1981.
Employees of Ansells Brewery depot in Northgate, Aldridge, started a "swear bottle" in their bar, donating the money to the Children's Ward at Walsall Manor Hospital. The photograph shows Dennis Hopkins about to break open the bottle. December 1981.
Three contestants at the Miss UK 1981 contest, who suffered injuries in their quest for the title on an assault coursed at RAF Uxbridge. Left to right; Miss Doncaster, Wendy Machin, with a battered leg; Miss Isle of Thanet, Tracey Cook with an injured ankle; and Kay McDowall, Miss Walsall, with a dislocated wrist. Picture: PA
Three contestants at the Miss UK 1981 contest, who suffered injuries in their quest for the title on an assault course at RAF Uxbridge. Left to right; Miss Doncaster, Wendy Machin, with a battered leg; Miss Isle of Thanet, Tracey Cook with an injured ankle; and Kay McDowall, Miss Walsall, with a dislocated wrist. Picture: PA
May 1987: Arts Attack week at Shelfield Community School was being held during half-term, with professional artists giving hints on video-making, puppetry, flower arranging, music, calligraphy, photography and graffiti. The photograph shows Leslie Nolan, Chris Day, Matthew Anderson and Kenneth Gentles with Andy Bradley.
May 1987: Arts Attack week at Shelfield Community School was being held during half-term, with professional artists giving hints on video-making, puppetry, flower arranging, music, calligraphy, photography and graffiti. The photograph shows Leslie Nolan, Chris Day, Matthew Anderson and Kenneth Gentles with Andy Bradley.