The photographs of W P Collier

Walter Percy Collier (1875 - 1937) began his business in Bellingham about 1912. Over 25 years he produced many hundreds of pictures of Bellingham and the surrounding area. He was a familiar sight as he rode his motorcycle along the quiet roads and tracks of the lovely Northumbrian countryside.

The Heritage Centre houses a re-creation of a shop based on the one
W P Collier used in Lock-up Lane in the village. There is an extensive display of Collier's pictures together with examples of the kind of vintage photographic equipment he used and sold.

From lonely farm steadings to shepherds at work, from wedding groups to the Roman remains of Hadrian's Wall, the Collier collection forms a definitive picture of Northumberland in the period between the two World Wars.

For photography enthusiasts and local history seekers this is an exhibition not to be missed.

Please click on images to enlarge