A row of back-to-back terraced houses which chart changes in family life over a century has opened to the public.

The Gaythorne Row workers’ cottages at Bradford Industrial Museum have been decorated by enthusiastic volunteers over six years, and even include nostalgic items donated by members of the public.

They offer a window into the home life of workers through the decades, from the 1870s to the 1970s, and tell the social history of Bradford by showing the changes in people’s living conditions during that time.

The three homes were officially opened at a family fun day at the Eccleshill museum yesterday, marking the culmination of a six-year community project called 100 years of Back-to-Back Living.

The project saw volunteers from The Friends of Bradford Museums meticulously researching the history of the people who lived in the properties and refurbishing the homes to accurately reflect the changes in living conditions over a century.

The first house shows a stark bedroom from 1875, the second represents a typical home during the Second World War in 1942 and the third shows the garish colours popular in 1975.

In creating the 1970s house, the group appealed for members of the public to donate toys and games from the era. Items they received included a chemistry set, a tin hospital, a jigsaw and construction toy Loony Links.

As well as developing the three houses, the Council-run museum has redecorated a Victorian wash day room, created a Dig for Victory garden, developed some privies, or outside toilets, recreated a 1960s hair salon.

It has also installed a new Toys Through the Ages exhibition and produced a film charting the history of Bradford.

The museum celebrated the opening with family activities, street games and demonstrations.

Visitors enjoyed a Grand Day Out with 1970s style street games and watched a blacksmith working in the forge.

Rag ruggers, spinners and weavers gave demonstrations of their skills and the museum’s steam engines were running throughout the day.

Gaythorne Row was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Dale Smith, and the Lady Mayoress, wife Margaret.

Coun Smith said: “It is wonderful to be able to open the refurbished row of back-to-back terraces as part of this Grand Day Out.”

For information about exhibitions and events at the Council's museums and galleries, visit www.bradfordmuseums.org.