Shetland Museum exhibits photographs, hidden away in a cupboard in the High Peak for more than 50 years

Lynne McPeake, a keen amateur photographer living in the High Peak, discovered photographs she took on a trip to Shetland in 1971 and scanned the black and white negatives during lockdown.

Encouraged by a friend who saw the prints, Lynne sent them to The Shetland Museum to see if there was any interest in them. The result is an exhibition of the photographs which opened at The Museum and Archives in Lerwick this week. They provide a glimpse into an aspect of Shetland’s social history during the 1970s.

The series of black and white documentary-style photographs were taken by Lynne when she visited Shetland in 1971, when she was a graphic design student. They had survived two house moves and were residing in a cupboard in her study.  

The images show the Steamer’s Pier in Lerwick and give an insight into the social interactions of the era while also reflecting the strong work ethic prevalent in the community as dockers and fishermen engaged in the daily routines of working with livestock and fish. Crowds would often gather here too to watch the daily goings on, waving off family and friends as they journeyed south on the steamer, the St Clair.

Lynne's journey to Shetland began in August 1971, when she travelled from Manchester to Lerwick for a diving trip with two friends. What ensued was a memorable walking and camping holiday, during which Lynne, equipped with her Pentax Spotmatic camera and Kodak Tri-X black and white film, documented the dynamic scenes at Lerwick Harbour. Her keen eye for detail and composition is evident in the resulting photographs, which she developed when she was a student at Leeds College of Art.

Lynne says that she is delighted that the Shetland Amenity Trust are exhibiting these photographs and that these pictures are now 'going home' and will be seen and enjoyed by visitors to the museum, but particularly by family and friends of some of the people in the photographs.

Karen Clubb, exhibitions officer at Shetland Museum, said: "We are delighted to present this unique exhibition that not only captures a moment in time but also celebrates the rich social fabric of Shetland in the 1970s.  Lynne McPeake's beautiful photographs offer a poignant look at our community's past, and we are proud to share them with the public.’’

The exhibition continues until October 6.