Photo archive of Whitehaven will create 'lasting legacy'

Graham Roberts is appealing for people to get in touch with any photos of the town that can be archived.

Mr Roberts said: “I love Whitehaven. West Cumbria has been very good to me. The people are wonderful.

“I think we have got a rich history in mining and chemical production. Whitehaven had a pottery industry. I would like photos of old pottery and brickworks.

“However little or however much, whatever they have got, stills or cine films or books relating to this area – everything is valuable.”

Mr Roberts would particularly like to see photos of the former Grand Hotel in Whitehaven.

A photo of the Bransty Arch in Whitehaven is one of the photos to feature in the archive (Image: Submitted)

He said his interest in photography started at a young age and was sparked by his father, who taught at Whitehaven Grammar School.

Mr Roberts said: “My father had an interest in cine films. He used to show films to the children of Whitehaven on an old 16mm projector.

“I got a cine camera when I was younger. I used to take it on holiday with me. I saved up my pocket money and bought a projector. We had hours and hours of fun.

A young Graham Roberts (Image: Submitted)

“Now it’s so easy you can capture photos on a camera phone.”

Mr Roberts said he would eventually like to make the archive available for the benefit of the public and organisations in the area.

He said: “History is a window on the future. History is so important. It mirrors the future. Every generation has a story to tell. I’m building a legacy for future generations.”

Mr Roberts thanked Gerard Richardson for his assistance with the project so far.

Anyone who has photos to share, can email: graham.roberts1952@gmail.com