Seldom seen photos of Rugby in the past to be put on show at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum

The museum's senior collections officer said the exhibition will contain a treasure trove of images
New street lighting illuminating Rugby town centre in the late 1940s.New street lighting illuminating Rugby town centre in the late 1940s.
New street lighting illuminating Rugby town centre in the late 1940s.

A new exhibition of seldom seen pictures of Rugby opens next month at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum.

'Images of Rugby' features historic photographs, postcards and paintings of the town, charting a period of rapid change and capturing iconic landmarks.

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The exhibition includes pictures taken by professional and amateur photographers, including Rodney Huntingford, of Redding's Photographic Studio, who captured the demolition of the old art school in Church Street on camera in the early 1950s.

Church Street in 1953, captured on camera by Rodney Huntingford from Redding's Photographic Studio.Church Street in 1953, captured on camera by Rodney Huntingford from Redding's Photographic Studio.
Church Street in 1953, captured on camera by Rodney Huntingford from Redding's Photographic Studio.

Projector slides from the British Thomson Houston archives show new street lights illuminating the town centre in the 1940s, while the exhibition features photographs of historic town centre buildings, including alms houses which were demolished in the 1960s.

Images of Rugby also includes a selection of pictures taken by Rugby Photographic Society member Maurice Miller in the 1960s, an aerial photograph of the town centre from the 1970s and another aerial shot of the construction of the Art Gallery and Museum near the turn of the millennium.

In addition to photographs, the exhibition features postcards from the 19th and 20th century, together with paintings of landmarks such as Rugby Cement works and the Rugby Radio Station masts.

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Catherine Shanahan, Rugby Art Gallery and Museum's senior collections officer, said: "Our social history collection includes a treasure trove of images charting the changing face of the town and we're showcasing a number of photographs which have never featured in an exhibition before.

Maurice Miller, a member of Rugby Photographic Society, took this photo of High Street in 1960.Maurice Miller, a member of Rugby Photographic Society, took this photo of High Street in 1960.
Maurice Miller, a member of Rugby Photographic Society, took this photo of High Street in 1960.

"Images of Rugby forms part of a packed programme of exhibitions and events we have prepared for the reopening of Rugby Art Gallery and Museum following lockdown, and we're now looking forward to welcoming visitors back to the venue."

Images of Rugby runs from 18 May to 8 January 2022.

Rugby Art Gallery and Museum reopens its doors on 18 May in line with Government guidance.

Visitors must be limited to groups of up to six people or two households. To avoid waiting, visitors should book in advance online. Track and trace details need to be provided.

Rugby Art Gallery and Museum offers free admission to all exhibitions. To book, and for more information and opening times, visit www.ragm.co.uk