Brothers’ cathedral climb sparked a photo project. It compares Worcester now and then. Archive now online.
These brothers were Clive and Malcolm Haynes. This climb started an important project that locals interested in Worcester’s past should appreciate. The brothers recently became interested in photography and decided to record work on Lich Street. They searched for city photos to show changes over time, plus, they wanted to depict life back then.
Clive said they were surprised no one had compared Worcester photos in such detail before. He realized they had begun a lifetime’s project. Their collection grew into an audio-visual show showing how much or how little the city changed. They called it “The Changing Face of Worcester.”
The show evolved over time and grew from two projectors to seven. For over 30 years it remained popular. Clive said Malcolm left in the late 1980s due to business obligations. Clive and his wife Gill kept the show going. Gill had been helping since the early 1970s.
They gave their last show in 1999. Over 60,000 people saw it. Their photo archive now belongs to the city, and people can access it online.
“The Changing Face of Worcester” also inspired books. I found one in my drawers recently. Clive published “Worcester Within The Walls” in 1996, and you can still find it online today. The book contains old and new comparison photos and is packed with information too.
It places everything in context and also shows the impact of that cathedral climb. That climb happened 61 years ago and significantly helped local history. The book includes some compelling photos.