Still Lives, Living Stories: The Heart of Bradford

Free – booking required

Be part of a new portrait of Bradford

Come along to Bradford Industrial Museum and be part of Still Lives, Living Stories: The Heart of Bradford, a photography project reimagining the historic Belle Vue Studio archive through the people and stories of Bradford today.

Award-winning photographer Carolyn Mendelsohn is inviting people from across Bradford to have their portrait taken, share their story and become part of a new photographic record of the district.

The project echoes the tradition of the Belle Vue Studio Archive, bringing together portraits from Bradford’s past with new images of the people who make the district what it is today.

During your session, Carolyn will spend around an hour with you, creating your portrait and recording your story. You’ll receive a copy of your portrait and have the opportunity to become part of Bradford’s photographic archive.

Whether you’ve lived in Bradford all your life or have made the district your home more recently, your story is part of Bradford’s story.

Portrait sessions

Dates: Friday 23 & Saturday 24 October 2026
Location: Heritage Craft Room, Bradford Industrial Museum
Session length: Approximately one hour

Places must be booked in advance.

To book your place or find out more, contact: museumcommunityengagement@bradford.gov.uk

Still Lives, Living Stories: The Heart of Bradford is a photography project by award-winning photographer Carolyn Mendelsohn, working collaboratively with Bradford District Museums and Galleries.