BY 1954 Keighley’s public washhouse was equipped with 12 washing machines and 12 hand-washing stalls, three hydro extractors, a steam-heated mangle and 36 drying horses, “enabling patrons” in the words of superintendent Mr Sansford, “to do their family washing with greater ease and comfort, avoiding the labour and discomfort of home washing”.

That a communal washing day could also be a social occasion is shown in this gritty scene.

The three jolly ladies, from left to right, were Mrs Liza Ellen Carter, Mrs Beatrice Kelly and Mrs Lavinia Binns.

The machine, a former spin-dryer, was nicknamed the Buzz because of the sound it made.