(Above) Curator Catherine Newley and Mark Davis, from the Friends of Colchester Museums, celebrate the historic result of their winning auction bid
Hundreds of photos including snaps from a pole-vaulting competition at a sports day in 1930s Colchester and bygone social happenings in the Essex Garrison town have been bought by Colchester Museums in a private sale of memorabilia amassed by a local greengrocer.
David May's archive of more than 450 postcards and pictures, chronicling carnivals, schools, shops and disasters in the area, were broken down into lots by auctioneers Reeman Dansie. Two were sold to the Museum with the aid of "generous help" from the Friends of Colchester Museums.
The photos show all sorts of activities in the town during the 1930s and 1940s
"This is a great opportunity to build on our photographic collection," said Catherine Newley, Assistant Curator of Community History for the Museum.
"It will improve our knowledge about the people, places and events of Colchester’s past."
The service is responsible for the town's Castle, Hollytrees, Natural History and Tymperleys Clock Museums.
The Friends hold regular talks to promote Colchester’s history – the next one is on April 13 at 7.30pm at Lion Walk Church, Lion Walk, Colchester, featuring town Mayor Henry Spyvee. View the full 2010 programme here.
