Don Tonge | Bolton, 1970s

Don Tonge’s photographs of Bolton in the 1970s capture the industrial landscape of the town during a time when life seemed much simpler for many. His extensive archive features the daily lives of Boltonians, including some of his own friends. Like many photographers, Don focused on what he knew and could relate to, which is evident in his images.

At British Culture Archive, we believe that Don’s work is among some of the best British documentary photography from the late 20th century. His powerful and sometimes humorous images tell a story of life in a northern town. A selection of Don’s work is currently included in the British Culture Archive touring exhibition, “A Celebration of Life in the North – 1970s-80s.”

Back George Arthur Street. Bolton, 1970s.
Back George Arthur Street. Bolton, 1970s.

Photo © Don Tonge.

Condemed Housing. Bolton, 1970s.
Condemed Housing. Bolton, 1970s.

Photo © Don Tonge.

Corner Shop, Bolton, 1970s.
Bolton Ration Store. Bolton, 1970s.

Photo © Don Tonge.

Bolton, 1970s.
Bolton, 1970s.

Photo © Don Tonge.

Bolton Kids, 1970s.
Bolton kids, 1970s.

Photo © Don Tonge.

Bolton Fair, 1970s.
Bolton Fair, 1970s.

Photo © Don Tonge.

Kids play out in the street. Bolton, 1970s.
Kids play out in the street. Bolton, 1970s.

Photo © Don Tonge.

Boys School. Bolton, 1970s.
Boys School, Bolton, 1970s.

Photo © Don Tonge.

Children play in the street. Bolton, 1970s.
Children play in the street. Bolton, 1970s.

Photo © Don Tonge.

“I left school at fifteen without any qualifications and initially worked in the building trade. Eventually, I started to get 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.

Skating Up Slater Lane. Bolton, 1970s.
Skating Up Slater Lane Bolton, 1970s.

Photo © Don Tonge.

Children play in the street. Bolton, 1970s.
Bolton, 1970s.

Photo © Don Tonge.

The Pack Horse Hotel, Bolton, 1970s.
The Pack Horse Hotel. Bolton, 1970s.

Photo © Don Tonge.

Dial a Pint. Bolton, 1970s.
Dial a Pint. Bolton, 1970s.

Photo © Don Tonge.

Boys on the rail tracks. Bolton, 1970s.
Boys on the rail tracks. Bolton, 1970s.

Photo © Don Tonge.

Guy Fawkes Was Right. Bolton, 1975.
Guy Fawkes Was Right. Bolton, 1975.

Photo © Don Tonge.

Corner Shop Bolton, 1970s.
Corner Shop Bolton, 1970s.

Photo © Don Tonge.

Children play in the street Bolton, 1970s.
Children play on a makeshift swing. Bolton, 1970s.

Photo © Don Tonge.

Bolton Market, 1970s.
Bolton Market, 1970s.

Photo © Don Tonge.

Gallery first published 8th February, 2021 © Don Tonge / British Culture Archive. All rights reserved.

All images © Don Tonge, all rights reserved. No usage or reproduction of any kind without prior permission of the copyright holder.

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