A PHOTOGRAPHER has been reunited with someone he took a picture of as a child on a Bradford street 45 years ago at a new exhibition of his work.

Ian Beesley met Martyn Bissett again after initially taking his picture when the latter was a youngster playing with his friends on a street in 1977.

The original black and white photograph shows a group of children playing on Bilton Place.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Ian Beesley's original photograph from 1977 featuring Martyn Bissett, back leaning against the wall. Ian BeesleyIan Beesley's original photograph from 1977 featuring Martyn Bissett, back leaning against the wall. Ian Beesley (Image: Ian Beesley)

Mr Bissett is the boy leaning near the wall with his hands in his pockets and smiling towards the camera in the original picture. It also features his mother, who is wearing hair curlers.

Fast forward 45 years and Mr Bissett and his family were reunited with Mr Beesley at the latter’s new exhibition of his life’s work at Salts Mill, Saltaire.

The two men were united through Jaz Oldham, who grew up in the street and was a friend of Mr Bissett. She posted about the original picture on Facebook and Mr Bissett got in touch.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Martyn Bissett pictured now during a visit to Ian Beesley's exhibition at Salts Mill.Ian BeesleyMartyn Bissett pictured now during a visit to Ian Beesley's exhibition at Salts Mill.Ian Beesley (Image: Ian Beesley)

Mr Bissett, who now lives in North Yorkshire, says he contacted Mr Beesley to say he was in the photo on the poster and that he was going to the exhibition with his family. He added meeting Mr Beesley was brilliant.

Jaz and Mr Bissett plan to travel to take a trip down memory lane together to Bilton Place. One-half of the street has been demolished since the original photograph was taken.

Mr Beesley took the original photograph as part of a Kodak scholarship looking into the industrial demise affecting cities in Northern England at the time. Mr Beesley said: “It was nice seeing him after 45 years.

“It was lovely to meet him and share his memories of the day. Martyn and his family really liked the picture. He could only vaguely remember it being taken.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Ian Beesley takes a closer look at some of the items on display at his exhibition. NewsquestIan Beesley takes a closer look at some of the items on display at his exhibition. Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

LIFE. Ian Beesley: Retrospective features hundreds of black and white and colour images taken across the Bradford district and beyond since the 1970s.

The free exhibition, located in the roof space of Salts Mill, includes sections dedicated to different themes of his work including photographs of Bradford mills of yesteryear, coal mines and pubs from Bradford taken during the 1970s and 80s.

He added: “I’m amazed at the response it has had.

“People have said they have found it really moving and humorous.”

LIFE: Ian Beesley: Retrospective will be open every Wednesday to Sunday between 11am and 4pm until October 30.

 

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