Bolton

1970s

Photographs by Don Tonge

Don Tonge’s photographs of Bolton in the 1970s form a direct record of a northern town shaped by industry, routine and social change.

Made from within the community he knew well, the work includes portraits, streets, workplaces and everyday scenes that sit outside official histories. The photographs are measured in tone and clear in intent, offering an unembellished view of Bolton as it moved from one era into another.

The photographs featured in this gallery are represented by British Culture Archive. A selection of Tonge’s work also appears in the BCA touring exhibition A Celebration of Life in the North: 1970s–80s.

Photo © Don Tonge / British Culture Archive

"I left school at fifteen without any qualifications and initially worked in the building trade. Eventually, I started to work as a freelance photographer, shooting press and portraits. I spent about eight years as a front-of-house photographer for The Octagon Theatre in Bolton, though my passion has always been Documentary Photography."

- Don Tonge.

Photo © Don Tonge / British Culture Archive

View available prints from this series

Collection published 8th February, 2021

For licensing, publishing, exhibition or reproduction enquiries, please contact:

contact@britishculturearchive.co.uk