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Newsome, J. H.
Mayor of Harrogate 1933-1934 [Album of photographs and ephemera].
Publisher: Harrogate,
Date of Publication: 1934
Stock Code: 8971
Folio album of photographs, newspaper clippings and ephemera relating to Mayor of Harrogate J. H. Newsome’s life and specifically his year in office, as compiled by himself. With 57 original monochrome press photographs, mainly approximately 16 cm x 12 cm mounted two to a leaf, rectos only, some with printed captions; 36 items of ephemera including menus, programmes, invitations and official cards relating to events in Harrogate and district during the term of office and 26 newspaper clippings of varying size. A unique and detailed record of Mayor of Harrogate John Henry Newsome’s year in Mayoral office from November 1933-34 together with other significant personal ephemera. An active member of the 1911 Starbeck Strike (which is depicted on a postcard photograph in the album), Newsome’s election was controversial with a number of councillors abstaining from the vote in protest at the election of a socialist, which is referred to in some of the newspaper clippings in the album; Newsome was Harrogate’s first socialist Mayor. The collection offers a fascinating glimpse into the social history and civic functions of a major provincial town during the inter-war period, and a comprehensive record of life in office. Of particular note to historians of the town are a photograph of the opening of the Harrogate Art Gallery in 1930 showing the Earl of Harewood making his speech, ephemera relating to the opening of the new Sun Colonnade in Valley Gardens in 1933 and the brochure for the Jubilee of the Incorporation of the Borough Thanksgiving Service; historians of the county will be interested in the official greetings cards from a number of other Yorkshire civic worthies. Full black morocco with gilt titles to spine and upper board. Also laid-in are 4 large photographs: one pair of matching images approximately 21 cm x 16 cm, mounted on card depicting respectively Mrs Newsome, and Mr & Mrs Newsome; image of the 1933 15th Anniversary of Armistice Celebrations approximately 37 cm x 28 cm; large image approximately 30 cm x 25 cm depicting six ladies in civic regalia with trophies. Additionally, a matching pair of studio portrait photographs mounted on stiff card approximately 25 cm x 28 cm, depicting the Mayor and the Mayoress with pencilled caption to reverse of each, housed in a brown envelope. Also included is a boxed solid silver armorial watch fob enamelled in red, white and blue, engraved to reverse “ Coun. John Henry Newsome J.P. Mayor of Harrogate 1933-34”.

Album covers scuffed with wear to corners and front joint just starting; a little scattered light foxing to contents, mainly to mount leaves, and loose Armistice Celebration photograph nicked & creased to edge. Very good condition overall, including the watch fob. A unique record of the civil life of Harrogate during the inter-war years.
Heavyweight so a contribution towards increased postage costs will be requested for overseas delivery. £425.00