A decade of change and contrast, the 1970s saw communities across the Black Country, Staffordshire and the surrounding areas remain rooted in industry, close-knit neighbourhoods and bustling high streets, even as towns and estates adapted to redevelopment, changing economies and new ways of living.
From busy shopping scenes and Silver Jubilee celebrations to demolition sites, modern housing schemes and everyday moments, these images capture a period of transition, resilience and community spirit that helped shape the region's identity.
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Missed our 1960s gallery? Take a trip back in time here.
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9. Dudley Road, Wolverhampton, 1971
A quiet, poignant scene on Dudley Road, Wolverhampton in January 1971, showing the closed-down Coliseum Cinema. Once a lively hub of entertainment and shared nights out, the building now stands silent and shuttered, reflecting the changing habits of cinema-goers and the gradual fading of a familiar local landmark from the city’s social life. | Express & Star archive
10. Horseley Heath, Tipton, 1971
A striking glimpse of Horseley Heath, Tipton, in 1971, seen through the crumbling frame of a derelict building. A woman pauses on the street corner with her dog, an everyday moment set against a changing urban landscape. In the background, the premises of G Webb & Son and the Co-operative stand as familiar landmarks of local life. | Express & Star archive
11. Goodyear, Wolverhampton, 1970s
An iconic gateway to Wolverhampton’s industrial heritage, this 1970s photograph shows the entrance to the Goodyear factory, once one of the city’s largest employers. For generations of workers, these gates marked the beginning and end of each shift, symbolising the pride, hard work and manufacturing strength that defined Wolverhampton during the era. | Express & Star archive
12. Friar Park, West Bromwich, 1972
A 750-signature petition calling for action to curb parking on a busy main road at Friar Park, West Bromwich, in August 1972 captures a familiar local concern that still feels relevant today. The photograph reflects a community united in frustration and determination, highlighting the ongoing challenge of traffic and parking issues. | Express & Star archive