Mrs Fawcett and her husband had gone to great lengths to make their air raid shelter as comfortable as possible. The small space - measuring about 6'(1.80 metres) by 8'(2.40 metres) - had been wall-papered in a floral pattern and adorned with pictures. The table is covered by a cloth on which a vase of flowers is arranged. There are comfortable chairs and an electric light fitting. Cases, most probably containing gas masks can be seen hung on the wall, left. This shelter on Cardigan Avenue in Burley was one of many in Leeds inspected by the A.R.P. Committee and the chairman, Councillor H. W. Sellers, praised the couple in a report which appeared in the Yorkshire Evening News. The photo from 1940 is one of 23 charting the life in the life of Leeds and its residents played out against the backdrop of the Second World War. City centre landmarks are featured as well as memories from around the suburbs with Beeston, Crossgates, Middleton and Hunslet all in focus. The images are published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. READ MORE: Watch - Secrets of Leeds Queens Hotel revealed including hidden tunnel LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
1. Burley
Gertrude Mabel Fawcett is pictured as she sits reading a magazine at her table in the strengthened coal cellar on Cardigan Avenue in October 1940. This air raid shelter was one of many in Leeds inspected by the A.R.P. Committee and the chairman, Councillor H. W. Sellers, praised the couple in a report which appeared in the Yorkshire Evening News. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
2. Leeds city centre
The Headrow past the junction with Calverley Street and Cookridge Street in May 1940. The central library, museum and war memorial are shown. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
3. Rothwell
A group photograph showing people present at the official opening of the extension to the council offices in Rothwell in March 1940. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
4. Leeds city centre
The extension to Woolworths store, which fronted onto Briggate in July 1940. White markings on wooden pillars are to warn people of their location in black-out. Small poster on right gives advice on air-raid precautions. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
5. Leeds city centre
W.H. Smith, booksellers on Commercial Street in June 1940. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Crossgates
Ainley Ltd, Electrical radio engineers and Cycle showroom on Cross Gates Road in September 1940. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net