These photos spanning the decades showcase the changing face of The Headrow which runs for half a mile between between Westgate and Eastgate. These rarely-seen images are published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. They also run heritage blog The Secret Library Leeds, which provides a behind the scenes look at the Central Library and highlights from its special collections, including rare books hidden away in the stacks. Enjoy this look at life on one of the city centre's most famous thoroughfares down the decades. READ MORE: Briggate down the decades - The Leeds street we all know and love | Schofields Leeds in 12 photos - The department store which stood proud among the city's shopping elite LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
![This view shows Electricity Showrooms on The Headrow next to the Tax Offices on the corner. There is an entrance to the Electricity Showrooms also on Albion Street.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE0MzE2OTg1.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
1. August 1939
This view shows Electricity Showrooms on The Headrow next to the Tax Offices on the corner. There is an entrance to the Electricity Showrooms also on Albion Street. | otherPhoto: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
![The Headrow, looking east from the junction with Briggate towards Eastgate. Prominent in the photo is The Odeon cinema, which is showing "The Song Of Bernadette".](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE0MzE2OTg2.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
2. November 1944
The Headrow, looking east from the junction with Briggate towards Eastgate. Prominent in the photo is The Odeon cinema, which is showing "The Song Of Bernadette". | otherPhoto: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
![Pedestrians crossing The Headrow near Lewis's department store.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE0MzE2OTg3.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
3. October 1944
Pedestrians crossing The Headrow near Lewis's department store. | otherPhoto: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
![The south side of The Headrow showing Three Legs of Man Inn and The Vine public house.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE0MzE2OTg4.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
4. December 1949
The south side of The Headrow showing Three Legs of Man Inn and The Vine public house. | otherPhoto: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
![Schofields main building. This was completed in 1962. Now replaced by the Headrow Shopping Centre. There are cars and vans on the street. People are on the pavement and crossing the road.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE0MzE3MTQw.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
5. 1967
Schofields main building. This was completed in 1962. Now replaced by the Headrow Shopping Centre. There are cars and vans on the street. People are on the pavement and crossing the road. | otherPhoto: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
![The south side of The Headrow. Businesses include M. Panter, hairdresser; J.R. Dixon and Sons, tobacconist; Kays Hosiery; H. Krebs, furrier; West Leeds News Ltd, publishers, and Lucette (Leeds) Ltd, gowns.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE0MzE3MTQx.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
6. December 1949
The south side of The Headrow. Businesses include M. Panter, hairdresser; J.R. Dixon and Sons, tobacconist; Kays Hosiery; H. Krebs, furrier; West Leeds News Ltd, publishers, and Lucette (Leeds) Ltd, gowns. | otherPhoto: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net