Echoes of Brandt: A Brighouse Snicket

Sometimes, the most compelling scenes are found in the overlooked spaces of everyday life. I've long been inspired by Bill Brandt's iconic photograph, "A Snicket in Halifax," which masterfully captures the essence of a steep, narrow Yorkshire passage. During a walk along the canals from Huddersfield to Brighouse, I found a similar staircase, a hidden gem that felt like a direct echo of Brandt's work.

This set of stone steps, or "snicket," is located near the former Anchor Pit Railway Junction, where Birds Royd Lane meets Woodhouse Lane. It's the kind of place you might walk past without a second glance, but if you pause to look, you find a scene rich with character and history. The steps climb steeply between old stone walls, flanked by a narrow tunnel-like passage that feels both mysterious and inviting.

I captured these two pictures on a sunny day in May 2023, one in colour and one in black and white. The colour version highlights the lush green moss on the stone, the subtle textures of the brickwork, and the hint of the sky above. But it's the monochrome version that truly brings out the spirit of the place. In black and white, the scene becomes a study in light and shadow, form and texture. It emphasizes the history etched into every stone, transforming a simple staircase into a timeless, dramatic composition that feels a lot like the work that inspired it.

This Brighouse snicket is more than just a shortcut; it's a testament to the industrial past and the quiet, enduring beauty that can be found in the less-trodden corners of our towns. It’s a small, steep climb that offers a big reward: a moment of reflection and a connection to a piece of Yorkshire’s soul.

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Tracing History: A Snicket in Halifax

In the world of photography, some images capture not just a place but a moment in time, a feeling of an era. One such photograph is Bill Brandt's "A Snicket in Halifax," taken in 1937. His iconic black-and-white image documents a simple, cobbled path—a "snicket," as they're known in Northern England—climbing from Old Lane, Dean Clough towards North Bridge. It's a snapshot of a bygone industrial age, leading to a bridge that once spanned the Queensbury Lines Railway.

Inspired by Brandt's work, I recently revisited this very spot. While the railway is long gone, the snicket and its bridge remain, a testament to the enduring character of this town. The old railway line below is now a verdant, overgrown space, a green ribbon running through the urban landscape.

The building in the background of the photos is the imposing Bowling Mill, part of the vast Dean Clough complex. Once a bustling hub of textile production, it now houses a different kind of industry, a vibrant center for arts and business.

Walking up this unassuming path, you can't help but feel a connection to the past. The worn cobbles, the rugged stone wall, and the towering mill building all tell a story of Halifax's rich industrial heritage. A "snicket" might just be a small passageway, but in places like this, it feels like a path through history itself.

I took this image on Sunday 3rd July 2022 using a Nikon d3300 SLR. Clicking any of the pictures should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle,

The original colour version I took of the picture can also be seen on Clickasnap and below,

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.