Then & Now: An exhibition of historic photographs and modern day recreations is open until Sunday 31 August 2025 at The Museum of Lincolnshire Life
Visitors can enjoy a fascinating glimpse into the changing face of Lincoln’s cityscape in a brand-new photographic exhibition at The Museum of Lincolnshire Life.
The exhibition, called ‘Then & Now’, sees dozens of remarkable historic photographs paired with recreations of the same scenes taken in Spring 2025.
Side by side, the rarely seen photos of Lincoln’s landmarks tell an evocative story of continuity and change.
Often the images show the city’s rich heritage has been preserved through generations. Comparing the two photographs of Steep Hill, as shopkeepers peer curiously out from their premises in the photo from 1900, seemingly little has changed over the past 125 years.
Other examples show how buildings have been repurposed or demolished over time. Images of two of Lincoln’s ‘lost houses’ - Hartsholme Hall and Boultham Hall – are included, both were knocked down in the 1950s, with their grounds now much-loved public parks.
Sarah Bone, visitor experience officer, at Lincolnshire County Council, said:
“It was fascinating to delve through Lincolnshire’s archives, find these incredible pictures and walk in the footsteps of the photographers who captured them more than a hundred years ago. Some pictures were definitely easier to recreate than others!
“Every one of these pictures is a precious time capsule, but my favourite is probably the view of Lincoln Cathedral taken here from the Museum of Lincolnshire Life. It’s so interesting to compare this view before many of the houses on Burton Road were built – and we had to climb on the Museum roof to capture it!
“I hope our visitors enjoy the opportunity to see the landmarks they know and love in a different light.”
Historic photograph of Lincoln Cathedral taken from the Museum of Lincolnshire Life in 1904. Credit: Lincolnshire Archives
As well as showcasing the images, the lives of the people behind the photos are brought to life by a series of objects, including a pair of primitive ice skates that were used on Brayford Pool.
The photographs and objects are accompanied by a short film produced by the Lincolnshire Film Archive, containing footage from 1930s Lincoln. Look out for the nail-biting recording of a double decker bus passing under the Stonebow!
Then & Now: A photographic exhibition is open until Sunday 31 August 2025. Entry is free except on event days.
Plan your visit now at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/museumoflincolnshirelife or follow the museum on Facebook.