1950s Manchester: photographs from the Guardian’s first picture library

A view of Market Street looking towards Piccadilly, 1 April 1958
Photograph: Robert Smithies for the Guardian

The opening of a new children's playground at Philips Park in Bradford, Manchester, November 1955 Photograph: Guardian

Young couples enjoying the warm sunshine in Parsonage Gardens, 25 May 1959 Photograph: Guardian

Children making the most of an abandoned car on spare ground at Moss Side, 1957
Photograph: Robert Smithies for the Guardian

Traffic on the Chester Road, Stretford, 19 October 1959 Photograph: Guardian

Pets corner at Platt Fields in Rusholme, May 1959 Photograph: Guardian

Pupils of Manchester Grammar School waiting for a break in the clouds during the total solar eclipse of 30 June 1954, which was unfortunately invisible in Manchester! Photograph: Guardian

Preparations for the beginning of the boating season at the Platt Fields boathouse, 23 March 1955 Photograph: Guardian

Children at play in front of a demolished house, October 1958 Photograph: Guardian

Topping out party at the Samuel Grating building in Quay Street, 18 November 1957
Photograph: Robert Smithies for the Guardian