Photography collection


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Item number: P1997.1880

Artist's reconstruction of the castle, All Saints and Saint Johns Priory by Alan Bracken [1989]. Most pictures of the castle show it from Baghill rocks looking north. The artist was persuaded that there was enough knowledge to attempt the only view of the 3 buildings lookind west. John Whitehead acted as historical advisor. This photo shows a nearly complete painting. The keep mound was going to be increased. The settlement was going to be given more houses and the proportion of tile to lead was going to be changed on the roof of Saint John's. Suddenly and tragically Alan Bracken died before these last touches could be changed. The painting remains an invaluable insight into the grandeur and importance of Pontefract seen from the east. Photograph courtesy of the Pontefract and Castleford Express.
Pontefract and Castleford Express
Date: 1985-95