Step back to 1961 with this fascinating journey across the Black Country and Staffordshire.
From rows of terraced houses and changing town centres to what is believed to have been Staffordshire's first betting shop, these photographs capture the sights, people and industries that shaped everyday life 65 years ago. Among them are evocative scenes from the region's proud manufacturing heritage, including a chainmaker who recalled becoming accustomed to the sparks flying from her work.
Drawn from the Express & Star archives, this gallery offers a glimpse of a world that will be familiar to many and fascinating to those discovering it for the first time.
What do you remember from the era? Share your memories and favourite photographs in the comments, and enjoy the trip down memory lane.
Did you see our gallery of Wolverhampton in the early 1990s? Take a look here.
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1. Russells Hall Estate, Dudley, 1961
The Russells Hall Estate in Dudley, pictured in March 1961, stood as one of the town’s “shining new housing estates,” capturing the optimism of post-war development and a new era of modern living. | Picture: Express & Star
2. Albright and Wilson, Oldbury, 1961
In 1961, Midlands chemical giant Albright and Wilson Ltd marked a landmark year, celebrating the 150th anniversary of its founder Arthur Albright — Quaker, chemist, and pioneering industrialist. | Picture: Express & Star
3. Town Mills, Cannock, 1961
Town Mills, garment makers, Cannock, pictured in September 1961, showing the finishing stages of production. Once made up, garments were carried by conveyor to be pressed and inspected before moving on to the packing department, capturing the rhythm of post-war manufacturing life. | Picture: Express & Star
4. Merridale Garage, Wolverhampton, 1961
Merridale Garage on Merridale Lane, Wolverhampton — formerly the barn of Merridale Old Hall — pictured in August 1961 as it was being demolished to make way for a new garage for E L Bouts Motors Ltd. The scene captures a worker carefully clinging to the side of the building during the works. | Picture: Express & Star