Amazing colour pictures show the changing face of Sunderland

Today we take a second look at the Williamson collection '“ a unique set of slides documenting the changing face of Wearside.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Mar 2016, 11:04 BST
Updated 7th Mar 2016, 11:11 BST
A rare colour shot here of the Grand Hotel in Bridge Street in 1973. Just a year later it was reduced to rubble.A rare colour shot here of the Grand Hotel in Bridge Street in 1973. Just a year later it was reduced to rubble.
A rare colour shot here of the Grand Hotel in Bridge Street in 1973. Just a year later it was reduced to rubble.

History enthusiast Alan Williamson snapped streets, shops, revamps and demolitions around Sunderland over a 30-year period.

Now almost 400 of his colour slide images have been uploaded to the Flickr website after being digitised by Sunderland Museum.

Sunderland's electricity generating station in 1976.Sunderland's electricity generating station in 1976.
Sunderland's electricity generating station in 1976.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Alan was determined to document changes to the town, and his photos are fascinating,” said Martin Routledge, Keeper of 
History.

“He was a museum volunteer for many years and, following his death, he left us his photos. We thought it was only right to share them.”

Alan, a former RAF man, started taking his snaps of Sunderland in the late 1960s and continued until around 2000.

Changes to High Street West, the building of Crowtree and the creation of The Bridges were just three of the many topics he covered.

Pallion New Road in 1987.Pallion New Road in 1987.
Pallion New Road in 1987.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Among my favourites is one of Sheepfolds Goods Yard, as I have been associated with Monkwearmouth Station Museum for years,” said Martin.

“I also like the ones of High Street West, as I am fascinated by building and demolition sites, as well as the image of Kipling Street.

“It was taken in the 1970s and, although it does not seem that long ago to me, it is surprising that there were still cobbled streets.

“There are remarkably fewer cars parked in that street than you get today – and we thought the roads were busy back then!”

l The Sunderland Museum Flickr page can be accessed at: www.flickr.com/photos/137368687@N02/albums

Related topics:SunderlandRAF