John Ashton, Photo Archive Assistant, tells us that Bradford born photographer Ian Beesley is a keen supporter and friend of Bradford Museums Photo Archive. In recent months, the lockdown and enforced isolation has given him the opportunity to begin sorting his own vast photographic collection, spanning seven decades. 

While the closure and demolition or change in use of public houses has accelerated in recent years, for a range of reasons, the process began much earlier. Here is the demise of one particular pub, told in Ian’s own words.

The Moulders Arms Sticker Lane Bradford

Whilst the Moulders Arms was never the most attractive of pubs, it was the hub of a once thriving community. After the surrounding streets had been demolished and their occupants scattered to new developments around the city, many would  return to the pub that was the centre of their social lives.

The Moulders ran football team, darts and domino teams; it was the home to pigeonmen, allotment holders, the Sons of the Desert, the Buffaloes and a trade union, all who had a particular night for their meetings.

But Friday was music night and anyone who could sing a song or play a tune was welcome. It was there in 1982 I made my debut as a pub piano player.

The pub was on borrowed time, the land behind it had been sold to an electronics  company, who insisted, if they were going to build their new factory in Bradford, bringing much needed employment to the area, The Moulders Arms had to go.

Against strong opposition from the public and Websters brewery the Moulders was condemned.

Ian Beesley is Artist in Residence for the Bradford Institute of Health Research and an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society.