A RARE collection of archive photographs goes on show over the Bank Holiday revealing a snapshot’ of a unique island’ community in London’s East End. Some 5,000 old photos collected during 30 years at on the Isle of Dogs are on show from tomorrow (May 2)

By Dean Valler

A RARE collection of archive photographs goes on show over the Bank Holiday revealing a snapshot’ of a unique island’ community in London’s East End.

Some 5,000 old photos collected during 30 years at Island History’ open days on the Isle of Dogs are on show from tomorrow (May 2) until Monday.

The open days which have been running twice-a-year since 1980 attract visitors from as far as Yorkshire and abroad.

FAMILY SNAPS

The photos donated from family albums show life through the years including the parish churches of Millwall and Cubitt Town, the old Millwall Docks, schooldays, community outings and factory life at the old leadworks and flour mills that once crammed the landscape.

The collection has been put together by Eve Hostettler, curator at the Island History Trust.

CHANGING LIFE

“Life changed a lot with the Blitz targeting the docks and the unemployment after the shipyards closed in the 1970s,” she said.

“This collection is an illustration of the changes that took place.

“But it’s also a chance for those who’ve lived or worked here over the years to return and meet up with folk they haven’t seen for years.”

The exhibition is at the Island History Trust in East Ferry Road, Cubitt Town, 11am to 6pm daily up to Bank Holiday Monday, entrance �2.