Britain in Old Photographs - Reading - P.G. Southerton

Part of the respected Britain in Old Photographs series published by Sutton Publishing, this 1992 volume captures Reading's dramatic transformation across a century.

Peter Southerton has assembled over 200 photographic views documenting the town's evolution from quiet county seat through the famous 'Beer, Bulbs and Biscuits' industrial era to the bustling commercial and electronics centre it became. Reading's importance as a communications hub drove prosperity that reshaped the landscape almost beyond recognition within a single lifetime.

This second selection draws extensively from previously unpublished material sourced from major Reading institutions and archives including Huntley Boorne & Stevens, Suttons Seeds, The John Lewis Partnership, Marks & Spencer, Courage Central, Broadbear Bros, and Milwards Shoes. Additional contributions came from Reading Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Reading, Reading School, Reading Blue Coat School, Queen Anne's School Caversham, The British Trolleybus Society, Thames Valley Police, Berkshire Yeomanry Museum, The Mortimer Local History Group, Reading Archers, and numerous private collectors.

The 160-page paperback features black and white photographs with detailed captions that bring historical context to each image, covering Reading's streets, businesses, schools, transport, and everyday life. An invaluable reference for local historians, former residents, genealogists researching Reading families, and anyone fascinated by Berkshire and Thames Valley heritage.

Condition: Preloved paperback in good used condition. One-off secondhand item from our vintage collection.

Contributors

Individual Contributors:

• Dr A.M. Barr, Royal Berks Hospital
• Mr W.F. Champion
• Mr Nigel Crompton
• Mr A. Drew, Weldale Motors Ltd
• J.A. Gafford Esq JP
• Mr Roger Garrick
• Mr K. Jerome
• Mr Denis Jones
• Mrs E. McMullin
• Mr J.K. Major
• Andrew and Helen Moglestue
• The late Mr F. Padley
• Miss Sue Read
• Mrs V. Sherbourne
• Mr A. Taylor C.Eng., M.Inst.E.
• Mr J. Taylor ARPS
• Mr B. Turner, Church Crookham
• Mr R. Walker
• Mr Ray West

Organizations & Archives:

• Berkshire Girl Guides Association Archives
• The Berkshire Yeomanry Museum, Windsor
• The British Red Cross Society
• The British Trolleybus Society
• Broadbear Bros. Ltd
• Dr. T.A.B. Corley
• Courage Central Ltd
• The Fire Brigade Society
• Huntley, Boorne & Stevens Ltd
• The John Lewis Partnership
• Marks & Spencer plc
• Milwards Shoes Ltd
• The Mortimer Local History Group
• The Headmaster, New Town School
• The Headmistress, Queen Anne's School, Caversham
• Reading Archers
• Reading Museum and Art Gallery
• The Headmaster, Reading Blue Coat School
• The Headmaster, Reading School
• The Headmistress, St Joseph's Convent School
• The Science Museum Library, South Kensington
• Reading YMCA
• The Salvation Army (Reading Central Corps)
• Sirrel's Second Hand, Oxford Road
• Suttons Seeds Ltd
• The Thames Valley Police
• The University of Reading
• Woolworth Ltd.
• The Women's Royal Voluntary Service