THIS fine photograph from a century or more ago depicts a family gathering so typical of that era, outside the front door of their humble abode.
There are two ladies in light coloured blouses and long, dark skirts, who appear to be sisters, and two other ladies in sombre Victorian-style garments, plus five gents in bowlers and flat caps.
We know for certain that the man seated at the centre behind the table, with a glass at the ready and puffing, it seems, on a big cigar, is Thomas Bannister. Also note his wooden left leg.
The Bannister family lived in Springfield Lane, Rowley in 1901, so this more than likely was the location of the photograph.
Thomas went on to be a Rowley Regis councillor, and appears in a photograph of councillors which we shall publish next week, both images courtesy of Elizabeth Provan (nee Priest). Thomas was Elizabeth’s great uncle, and she wonders if anyone can supply more details for this photograph?
