Heritage Open Days 2023: Life Through the Lens

10am-4pm, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th Spetmeber.

During her 70-year career, photographer Alice Longstaff captured the spirit of Hebden Bridge on film. Whether in her studio, in her subject's homes, or out and about in the town, Longstaff had an incredible talent for putting people at ease. This skill allowed her to create photographs full of personality and charm, portraying the rich variety of life in Hebden Bridge from 1921 until 1992.

In this new exhibition, discover never-before-seen portrait photographs from the Alice Longstaff Collection. Explore Longstaff's early career, and how she developed her skills as a portrait photographer. Learn about how the Alice Longstaff Collection is preserved for future generations in the South Pennine Archives, and how local photographers today are continuing her legacy.

Visitors will also have the chance to explore the magnificent Birchcliffe Centre, a former Baptist Chapel which is now owned and operated by charity Pennine Heritage. The building is now a mixed-use centre including event spaces, local businesses, and the South Pennine Archives.

Access information: There is step-free access to the exhibition from our lower car park. We have parking on-site, and are on the 595 bus route from Hebden Bridge Train Station, towards Pecket Well. We are a 3-minute up-hill walk from the centre of Hebden Bridge. Please get in touch with any accessibility needs and we will do our best to accommodate them.