Accrington, The Haworth Art Gallery c.1945
Photo ref: A19009
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Photo ref: A19009
Photo of Accrington, The Haworth Art Gallery c.1945

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Hollins Hill was built in 1909 by William Haworth, as a home for himself and his sister Anne. The house was designed by the eminent architect, Walter Brierley of York (who also designed Dyke Nook, the home of the Blake family on Whalley Road). Built on the south side of the town in over 13 acres of park, Hollins Hill commanded a fine view of the hills. The formal rose garden was reputed to be one of the finest in Lancashire. The house imitates Tudor Architecture and the oak panelling and the oak staircase rank amongst the important features of the building. Carvings of flowers, animals and birds indicate William and Anne's love of nature. In 1871 William Haworth had joined his father Thomas in the family cotton business; Thomas was a major employer and owned several mills. Twenty years later, William succeeded his father as head of the company, and expanded and improved the business. Sadly, William died in 1913 so was not able to enjoy the pleasures of such a fine house for very long. After his death Anne, along with her companion and staff continued to live there. Anne died in 1920 and Hollins Hill was bequeathed to the Corporation of Accrington for use as an art gallery. In September 1921, the house, renamed the Haworth Art Gallery, opened as the town's first public art gallery. In 1942 the gallery closed for the duration of the war and the pictures, together with several items from the museum at Clayton-le-Moors, were put into store. Contingency plans were made to utilise the gallery as an emergency hospital in case the Victoria Hospital was put out of action by enemy attacks and a system of fire watching was begun. Fortunately these plans came to nothing and the gallery began to be used as a hostel where off-duty service women, posted to this area, could spend their leisure time. The gallery reopened to the public in June 1945. Nowadays the gallery has achieved world-wide fame as the home of the largest collection of Tiffany glass in Europe.

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A Selection of Memories from Accrington

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. Here are some from Accrington

Sparked a Memory for you?

If this has sparked a memory, why not share it here?

My Grandfather was baptised here in October 1891.
My brother Anthony and I grew up in Barnes Street/Lee Street where my parents ran an off-licence from about 1953 - 1962. We both went to Miss Caulfield's Preparatory school and my brother went on to Blackburn Grammar School. We used to play in the streets and up at the coppice and the nearby park. I remember Plantation Street as one of the streets we traversed to get to school. David Benson and ...see more
I lived in Accrington . Maden Street . Went to Holy Family School. Often went in the Block Aid Pub. And lived with Annette Krywisneack. Many happy memories . I also had many friends in Accrington Keith Allen and all the biker people. I now live on a narrow boat with my husband.
We moved to Accrington fom Whalley 10th December 1941. I remember it because Syd Ashmeed and his band was broadcasting that day and Ronnie Brooks was the drummer and I wanted to listen to the broadcast but as we were moving I missed it. I started work at Howard & Bulloughs in April 1941 as an apprentice mechanic in the milling room, but after a year I asked for a transfer to the tool room. George ...see more