Historic Photographs

4,014 items

The Gordon Cafe

A photograph of the exterior of the Gordon Cafe at 143-145 King Street. This image is thought to date from the 1950s. The Gordon Cafe was a popular café, snack bar and takeaway located on the west side of King Street from its opening in 1950 until its closure in 2007. It was a familiar and well-used stopping place for workers, shoppers, local residents and families. The café was known for dishes such as pies, breakfast rolls, cooked breafasts, egg, chips and beans, knickerbocker glories and for serving teas and coffees. It has also been suggested that its butteries, which were made on site, were the best in Aberdeen. In this image, advertisements can be seen for Stillade, a soft drink, and Capstan cigarettes. Above the door, W. Clubb is listed as the proprietor. This was master baker William Ogilvie Clubb (1915-1969), the founder of the café. Born in Mintlaw, Clubb moved to Aberdeen aged 8 and became a partner in the former Queen Street bakery, Eddie and Clubb, in 1937. The King Street venue was previously called the Palm Cafe. Clubb changed the name to reflect the Gordon Highlanders Club, located next door, whose members frequented the café. The café's original green decoration was to match the tartan of the Gordon Highlanders. The venue later had a yellow and white exterior colour scheme. In 2003, the King Street establishment won a competition organised by Europcar to find the best café in Scotland (Evening Express, 25/01/2003, p. 15). At the time of the award, the Gordon Cafe was run by Billy Clubb, son of William, and his wife Norma. Billy's son Michael worked as a baker in the firm's kitchen. Billy took over the business from his father in 1961 aged 21. William and his wife Winnie continued to work in the café. The popular venue on King Street closed for the final time in 2007 (Evening Express, 29/05/2007, p. 27). At the time it was owned and operated by Michael Clubb, who had taken over the business about 4 years prior. The newspaper article reporting the closure highlighted some of the café's long-serving staff. Audrey Emslie, of Bridge of Don, a kitchen worker and waitress, had worked at the Gordon Cafe for 27 years - since leaving school. The longest serving member of staff was Mary Davidson, who had worked at the Gordon Cafe for 40 years, and planned to retire when it closed. Following the closure of the business, the King Street premises were soon occupied by Lahore Karahi, a Pakistani cuisine restaurant and takeaway, which remains a popular establishment at the time of writing in August 2026. A digital copy of this photograph was kindly donated to Aberdeen City Libraries by a member of staff. A member of the family, he was born in the flat above the café.

James Loughlin and Harry Gordon

A photograph of Harry Gordon (1893-1957) performing for the BBC while accompanied by James Loughlin (1896-1976) on the piano. This photograph was taken at a BBC Radio Studio on Queen's Road, Aberdeen, on 22nd March 1944. A cropped version of this photo was used in the Evening Express of 23rd March 1944, page 2. The caption states that Gordon is recording a version of "The Auldest Aiberdonian" to be included in a "Home Flash" about Aberdeen due to be broadcast soon on the General Forces programme. A digital copy of this photograph, and five others findable on this website, were donated to Aberdeen City Libraries by Loughlin's granddaughter.

The Lambert Wilson Orchestra

A photographic group portrait of the orchestra led by Harry Lambert Wilson (1906-1996), the figure stood in the centre. It is thought this photograph shows Wilson's orchestra at His Majesty's Theatre in the mid-1930s or 40s. The stage is decorated with an arboreal theme. Lambert, who was born in Swinton, Lancashire, was a violinist and the leader of the orchestra at Aberdeen's foremost theatre. The man in the second row with an accordion is James Loughlin (1896-1976). He was primarily a pianist. A digital copy of this photograph, and five others findable on this website, were donated to Aberdeen City Libraries by Loughlin's granddaughter.

The Lambert Wilson Orchestra

A photographic group portrait of the orchestra led by Harry Lambert Wilson (1906-1996), the figure stood on the left towards the front. It is thought this photograph shows Wilson's orchestra at His Majesty's Theatre in the mid-1930s or 40s. The stage and musicians are decorated with a piratical, coastal theme. Lambert, who was born in Swinton, Lancashire, was a violinist and the leader of the orchestra at Aberdeen's foremost theatre. The man shown towards the back with an accordion is James Loughlin (1896-1976). He was primarily a pianist. A digital copy of this photograph, and five others findable on this website, were donated to Aberdeen City Libraries by Loughlin's granddaughter.

The Lambert Wilson Orchestra

A photographic group portrait of a jazz orchestra led by Harry Lambert Wilson (1906-1996), the figure stood on the far left. This image shows the orchestra of His Majesty's Theatre playing Gershwin's Rhapsody In Blue, most likely in 1934. Lambert, who was born in Swinton, Lancashire, was a violinist and the leader of the orchestra at Aberdeen's foremost theatre. The pianist shown in the centre of the art-deco style stage is James Loughlin (1896-1976). A digital copy of this photograph, and five others findable on this website, were donated to Aberdeen City Libraries by Loughlin's granddaughter.

The Lambert Wilson Band

A photographic group portrait of a jazz band led by Harry Lambert Wilson (1906-1996), the figure stood in the centre. It is thought this photograph shows Wilson's jazz band at His Majesty's Theatre in the mid-to-late 1930s. Lambert, who was born in Swinton, Lancashire, was a violinist and the leader of the orchestra at Aberdeen's foremost theatre. A newspaper report also indicates that in 1953 he became the first person to swim from the River Don to the River Dee. Swimming the 2-mile distance across the Bay of Aberdeen took 1 hour 45 minutes. (Evening Express, 14/09/1953, p. 6). The pianist shown on the far left of the art-deco style stage is James Loughlin (1896-1976). A digital copy of this photograph, and five others findable on this website, were donated to Aberdeen City Libraries by Loughlin's granddaughter.

James Loughlin

A photographic portrait of James Edward "Jimmy" Loughlin (1896-1976). Loughlin was an accomplished pianist who played in venues throughout Aberdeen during the 1930s, 40s and 50s. He was born in the Pendleton district of Salford. Electoral registers indicate he moved to Aberdeen in around 1934. It is understood Loughlin came to Aberdeen to take up the role of resident pianist at His Majesty's Theatre. He often played at the Rosemount Viaduct venue. As a soloist or band member, he also performed at the Music Hall, in cinemas, at social events and on the radio. He played both popular music of the day and classical piano. Loughlin regularly worked with bandleader and violinist Harry Lambert Wilson (1906-1996). He played with the Lambert Wilson Ensemble at Aberdeen Art Gallery and was broadcast on the radio in 1935 as part of Lambert's quintet. Newspaper notices indicate a James Loughlin Trio was active in the early 1940s. Loughlin's performance of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 at the Music Hall was particularly well received. An article in the Press & Journal reviewing the concert stated "[...] with his performance, Mr Loughlin at last comes into his own in Aberdeen. His playing was not only workmanlike, but quietly brilliant and over and over again finely articulate. The subtleties, too, were there." (P&J, 01/07/1946, p. 4). Loughlin was married twice. His first wife, Iris Gough (1899-1931) died tragically young. They had married in Manchester in 1923, prior to Loughlin's time in Aberdeen. He married Barbara Fowlie (1904-1984) in Aberdeen in 1935. James and Barbara retired to Arbroath in the 1970s. Both are buried in the town's Western Cemetery. Loughlin came from a musical family. His relatives include George Loughlin (1914-1984), a pianist and composer, and Joseph Loughlin, a violinist. A descendent called Michael Loughlin is a violinist and conductor of a chamber choir in Darwin, Australia. A digital copy of this photograph, and five others findable on this website, were donated to Aberdeen City Libraries by Loughlin's granddaughter.

South Anderson Drive

A photograph looking north from relatively near the foot of South Anderson Drive. A large number of roses can be seen on the green spaces on either side of the road and running along the central reservation. This image has been taken from up on the ridge on the western side of the road. This area has subsequently been redeveloped with a stone wall and wider pavement introduced. The housing shown across the road is part of the Ruthrieston estate. In addition to two period cars, a red Aberdeen City Council van is shown. This was no doubt the transport used by the council employees who took this image. This photograph comes from a collection of slides from the 1970s and 80s donated to Aberdeen City Libraries by Aberdeen City Council's publicity department.

Victoria Park

A photograph showing a large flower bed in Aberdeen's Victoria Park. The floral arrangement appears to be part of a larger design planted around the substantial granite fountain found in the centre of the park. The path shown is likely that heading south from the fountain towards Belvidere Street. The flowers are a mix of yellow and red with a neat border of smaller bushy flowering plants. A park bench and bin is also shown. This photograph comes from a collection of slides from the 1970s and 80s donated to Aberdeen City Libraries by Aberdeen City Council's publicity department.

Albyn Place

A photograph looking west along Albyn Place in Aberdeen. The junction with Albyn Grove and Rubislaw Terrace is visible in the distance. Large circular floral displays are shown in the grounds of Harlaw Academy. The large yellow flowers might be peonies, or similar. There is also the odd tulip and small purple flowers which might be irises. Some pedestrians and cars are shown on the street. An old style red bus stop can be seen too. Across the road, some of Rubislaw and Queen's Terrace Gardens is visible. This photograph comes from a collection of slides from the 1970s and 80s donated to Aberdeen City Libraries by Aberdeen City Council's publicity department.

North Anderson Drive

A photograph looking north-east across North Anderson Drive from roughly where a path to Campsie Place joins the street. The dual carriage road in Aberdeen is extensively decorated with roses. In the distance on the left is the junction with Maryville Park. The photograph gives a good view of some period cars. This photograph comes from a collection of slides from the 1970s and 80s donated to Aberdeen City Libraries by Aberdeen City Council's publicity department.

Stonehaven Road

A photograph looking along the Stonehaven Road (A92) on its way out of Aberdeen to the south. A huge blanket of white, yellow and lilac crocuses have been planted on the green area along the western flank of Kincorth. Housing on Deevale Road would be found at the top of this sloping parkland. The cottage style house partially visible behind the motorway sign has been known as Hamewith. This is a Scots word meaning "homeward", appropriate for this threshold location. The name may also be a reference to the influential book of poetry by Charles Murray (1864-1941). Just to the south of this house, on the other side of Cairngorm Road, is the location of a former 18th century toll house. This building was a remanent from the road's time as a turnpike charging a fee for use. The toll house was demolished sometime in the later 20th century following a period of ruin. Tollohill Wood stands on the horizon on the right of the image. This photograph comes from a collection of slides from the 1970s and 80s donated to Aberdeen City Libraries by Aberdeen City Council's publicity department.

Westburn Road

A photograph looking west towards the end of Westburn Road as it approaches its junction with North Anderson Drive and the Lang Stracht. The housing shown in the background is that on Willowpark Crescent on the south eastern edge of Mastrick. In the foreground a large amount of pink roses planted along the side of the road are shown. The road sign indicates linkages with major traffic routes through Aberdeen to the north and south. A number of period cars are also shown. This photograph comes from a collection of slides from the 1970s and 80s donated to Aberdeen City Libraries by Aberdeen City Council's publicity department.

Balnagask

A photograph of a large planting of red roses somewhere in the Balnagask Housing Estate. The exact location is uncertain. If you can help identify the shown site, please use the comment button to get in touch. The image shows a fairly busy residential street. Two Corporation buses are shown heading in opposite directions. A car and a number of pedestrians, including two children playing on the pavement, are visible. In the middle distance, what looks like a large red telephone box can be seen. The red van partially visible on the right of the image very likely belongs to the Council employees who took this photograph. A City of Aberdeen crest can almost be made out on its door. This photograph comes from a collection of slides from the 1970s and 80s donated to Aberdeen City Libraries by Aberdeen City Council's publicity department.

Albyn Place

A photograph looking west along Albyn Place in Aberdeen. The junction with Albyn Grove and Rubislaw Terrace is visible in the distance. Large circular floral displays are shown in the grounds of Harlaw Academy. These appear to consist of a mixture of daffodils, tulips and pansies. Three women and two children are shown walking past a bus stop. The children are taking the opportunity to walk along the wall. Other pedestrians are visible in the background. The image also shows a selection of period cars and a blue van. This photograph comes from a collection of slides from the 1970s and 80s donated to Aberdeen City Libraries by Aberdeen City Council's publicity department.

An image looking north west towards the main entrance to the Central Library on Aberdeen's Rosemount Viaduct. This photograph has been taken from the gated pocket park located across the road. This area was significantly remodelled during the 2019-2022 redevelopment of Union Terrace Gardens. It is now the site of the Rosemount Pavilion and an enlarged pedestrian entrance to the park. This image looks at the library over a large planting of red and yellow flowers. The latter appear to be daffodils. People are shown entering and exiting the library. The man on the stairs is carrying a painting. He is likely returning an item from the library's "Borrow-a-picture" lending scheme which started in 1976. A golden coloured, racer-style bicycle has been temporarily left to the left of the library's imposing doorway. This photograph comes from a collection of slides from the 1970s and 80s donated to Aberdeen City Libraries by Aberdeen City Council's publicity department.

Victoria Park

A photograph looking south east over a large flower bed in Aberdeen's Victoria Park. The floral arrangement appears to be part of a larger design planted around the substantial granite fountain found in the centre of the park, the steps of which are visible on the right of this image. The flowers are a mix of yellow and red with a neat border of smaller bushy flowering plants. Park benches and bins are also shown. A man, who has taken his jacket off, heads along the park's main walkway in the direction of Watson Street. This photograph comes from a collection of slides from the 1970s and 80s donated to Aberdeen City Libraries by Aberdeen City Council's publicity department.

Norther Anderson Drive

A photograph looking north along North Anderson Drive towards the four-way junction with the Lang Stracht and Westburn Road. The image shows the dividing central reservation decorated with a bed of red roses and topiary in the distance. Since this photograph, the shown street has been redesigned with increased lane space and a simpler, cobbled division, with occasional iron fence, between the carriageways. The high-rise resident developments of Woodhill Court, Castleton Court, Beechwood Court and Oldcroft Court are shown in the background. This photograph comes from a collection of slides from the 1970s and 80s donated to Aberdeen City Libraries by Aberdeen City Council's publicity department.

Queen Victoria statue in Town House

A photograph showing the marble statue of Queen Victoria in the main stairway of Aberdeen's Town House building with a floral display around its Peterhead pink granite plinth. The decorative plants appear to be yellow and pink tulips and what looks like a small conifer. This statue, sculpted by Alexander Brodie, was inaugurated in 1866. It was moved into the vestibule of the Town House in 1888 after showing signs of weathering due to frost. This photograph comes from a collection of slides from the 1970s and 80s donated to Aberdeen City Libraries by Aberdeen City Council's publicity department.

David Rorie, WWI portrait

A WWI image of medic and author, David Rorie (1867-1946), during his time in France. This photograph shows Rorie walking within a trench. The image is printed on a small photographic print, 9 x 6.5 cm. This photograph is from a small collection of items held by Aberdeen City Libraries on permanent loan since 12th June 1982 from the David Rorie Society. The society was established in 1982 to preserve the name of Dr. David Rorie and to arrange for an early re-publication of the main body of his poems. The collection was handed over to the City Librarian Peter Grant by Mr. James Michie, President of the Society and Mr. Charles King, Vice-President. David Rorie was born in Edinburgh in 1867. He graduated M.D., Ch.B from Edinburgh University, and later gained an M.D. from Aberdeen University for a thesis on medical lore. One of his earliest appointments was as assistant to a general practitioner in Barrow-in-Furness, and during his time there he wrote the words and music of his most famous composition The Lum Hat. He later practiced in Old Deer and in Fife, where he did excellent work among mining families. In 1904 he entered general practice in Cults, Aberdeen, where he was to remain for the rest of his working life. During the First World War he served in France with a Field Ambulance attached to the 51st Highland Division. His experiences as an officer are recounted in his autobiographical work A Medico's Luck in the War (1929). He was awarded the D.S.O. and the Legion of Honour. Dr. Rorie died in 1946. He was a well-loved and respected physician and one of the outstanding personalities of the North-East. He was active both in professional organisations and in literary circles, and some of his poems have been familiar to Scottish people all over the world. Many published books and articles by David Rorie can be found in the collection of Aberdeen City Libraries.