A walk along Mallory Lane

A bright idea of David Dunn, Managing Director of hardware store Harrison & Dunn, enabled a new picture gallery to be created in Stamford. The blank walls of the store’s Mallory Lane frontage were often spoilt by graffiti and David wanted to introduce some interesting features. Working with Civic Society members this idea was developed and designs for large panels were produced using old images of Stamford from local architect Henry Traylen’s collection of Magic Lantern Slides, now held by Stamford Town Hall Archives.

The gallery runs the length of Mallory Lane and many people now stop to look at the interesting images rather than hurrying by. The panels begin with Harrison & Dunn’s story then feature a range of pre-World War II images including local streets, pubs, churches and prestigious buildings. The history of Mallory Lane itself is given, and it is surprising to learn that this small cut-through was almost certainly on the main North South road through town before the Norman Conquest.

The gallery was formally opened by the Mayor, Councillor Tony Story, on 13th March 2018. Much of the work was funded by Harrison & Dunn, with generous donations from the Harry Skells Trust, anonymous donors and the Society.