New Historic Photo Boards Installed in Withernsea’s Memorial Gardens
Residents and visitors can now enjoy a new set of historic images in Withernsea’s Memorial Gardens, following the installation of ten restored photo boards as part of the town’s growing Withernsea Riff-Raff project.
Earlier this year, readers of the Holderness Gazette voted for their favourite photographs to replace the older boards, which had become faded and weather-damaged after years on display. The results of that poll, combined with a £5,000 donation from the disbanded Pier Project, helped make the new installation possible.
Preserving Withernsea’s Visual History
This latest update is another step forward for Withernsea Riff-Raff, created by local resident Darrin Stevens, with historical research and support from local historian Wendy Graves. Together, they have been collecting, scanning and digitising thousands of postcards and photographs from local collectors, helping to preserve the town’s story and make it accessible to everyone.
Many of these images have spent decades tucked away in private albums and collectors’ books. Now, they are being brought into the open, allowing the whole community. And visitors too. To enjoy them.
Installed by Local Hands
The new boards were installed on 1 and 2 September by Torkel Larsen and Paul Thornton. The older prints will be auctioned off or donated to local causes, while any that are too damaged will be discarded. One favourite image. The well-loved Barrow Boys. Will remain in place.
“Seeing the images instantly put a big smile on my face. Over 2,500 hours of research, scanning and collecting postcards has been a massive journey and we are still going.”
Darrin Stevens
Darrin also paid tribute to the collectors and supporters who helped build the digital archive and bring the public display to life.
“I hope the postcard collectors who have helped build the Withernsea Riff-Raff digital collection will be proud that their pictures are now on show for all to see.”
Darrin Stevens
Support from the Holderness Gazette, the Friends of St Nicholas, and three anonymous supporters helped ensure the photographs could be professionally produced and installed for the whole town to enjoy.
More Than Photos. Stories
Visitors have already been making special trips to see the boards, stopping to share memories and take a closer look at the detail. To deepen that experience, QR codes will soon be added to each panel, linking to the stories and history behind every image.
“It’s heartwarming to see their smiles. QR codes will soon be added to tell the stories and history of each panel. It’s been a real team effort.”
Darrin Stevens
“As part of the Riff-Raff team I’m very proud to be involved in the new boards going up in the Italian Gardens. People have said how amazing the detail is. Without the help of local people we wouldn’t have these pictures, and our digital collection is still growing.”
Wendy Graves
A Town Proud of Its Past
Local resident Godfrey Holmes described the finished boards as something special, praising both the presentation and the way the images help people connect more deeply with Withernsea’s story.
“This afternoon I saw the finished product, and I was blown away. I was amazed at how some photographs were enhanced and enlarged, and others shown in sepia or colour. Now I am so proud of Withernsea’s imagination and can understand more of this resort’s past than ever before.”
Godfrey Holmes
The project has also been warmly welcomed by local representatives, including Mayor Alex Camplin, who said it was “fantastic” to see the new photo boards installed, not only because they replace weathered displays, but because the chosen images reflect what the community wants to see represented.
Councillors Sean McMaster, Lyn Healing and Jon Dimberline also praised the project, highlighting the care, effort and importance of bringing Withernsea’s history into the present day for both residents and visitors.
The Riff-Raff Story Continues
Withernsea Riff-Raff continues to grow. More postcards, more photographs, more local stories and more chances to connect the town’s heritage to the places we walk every day. If you have historic images, postcards, or memories you’d like to share, we’d love to hear from you.
Explore the collection and discover more stories from Withernsea’s past via the Riff-Raff project.
