An exhibition of archive photographs and images to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the new East End of Bradford Cathedral opens on Sunday.

Bradford Cathedral is one of the most unusual but least known cathedrals in England and contains major work by one of the 20th century’s most under-appreciated English architects, Ilkley-born Sir Edward Maufe.

The Parish Church of St Peter, Bradford was elevated to Cathedral status with the creation of the Bishopric of Bradford by Act of Parliament in February 1918, with the first Bishop being appointed by Letters Patent in January 1920.

Apart from the issue of fundraising, which continued throughout the 1940s and 1950s, building work could not start until the early 1950s as a result of post-war austerity measures.

The execution of Maufe’s designs was supervised locally by Eric Morley, a Bradford architect with premises in Swan Arcade and whose work included the Civic Theatre (latterly The Priestley and the Bradford Playhouse). The principal contractor was Michael Booth and Sons of Akam Road, Bradford.

Work started with the laying of the foundation stone for the Song Room in May 1953 and was finally completed in 1965 although the East End was completed in October1963 and dedicated in November 1963.

The opening of the exhibition in the Cathedral’s Artspace follows the 10.15am service of Choral Eucharist on January 13 and remains until February 9. It is due to return on August 16.

The Cathedral is open Monday to Saturday from 8.30am until 4.30pm; Sundays and Bank Holidays for services only.

Entry is free with donations appreciated.