The image is definitely Brownhills, and I’m 95% sure of where it was taken. But what do you think? Image kindly supplied by Gerald Reece via David Evans. Click for a larger version.
A quick one as I’m busy at work right now but here’s a puzzle from the immense and popular Gerald Reece collection I’d like reader comment upon.
This photo has been found by David Evans in the huge amount of material donated to the blog by Gerald. It is of Brownhills, and would be in the postwar: I’m 95% sure I know where it was taken from and that would make it unique and remarkable.
What I can’t make out is the writing on the back, which obliquely, doesn’t tally but is kind of related to the same area, in my opinion.
What do you think? My query is that simple! Where is it and what’s the note on the back about? If you have any thoughts on this2, please do share them – comment here, find me on social media or mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Thanks.
I thank Gerald and David for yet another remarkable find – you are a very wonderful and generous gentlemen.
The rear of the mystery image says: ‘Gibson, Block 7. Safety Equipment. Bhills 1949.’ Now, I can think of a reference to Block 7 in Brownhills history, and in this probably area: but this doesn’t tie up if 1949 is a date. It may, however, be a phone number. Any ideas? Image kindly supplied by Gerald Reed via the wonderful David Evans.
The donor of this remarkable image, Gerald Reece is of course a talented and superlative local historian, now resident in Devon, who wrote the seminal work ‘Brownhills – A walk into history’ upon which this blog stands.
That is Brownhills Gasworks – there are some great Britain from Above aerial shots of the site:
https://britainfromabove.org.uk/en/image/EPW060275
Hi BB
I think that this photo was taken from one of the gasometers at the old gas works, between the High St (opposite Ogley Rd and The Warriners Arms) and the canal at the rear os the works.
Have to agree, Brownhills Gas
I believe you are both correct as the lane opposite the Warreners Arms between Dunn & Hales garage and the temple lead to the gas works. We used the drive to get to the 2 cottages, Meadow Farm, where i was born. These were situated behind the 2 houses on the High Street still next to the garage
That is definately taken from the gasholder at Brownhills Gasworks.
At school I had a friend named Graham Arblaster and he lived with his parents and Grandparents
in the cottage there .That was in 1955
David Nicklin