The Lancashire Independent College in Whalley Range and a search for J Porter

I have fond memories of the old Lancashire Independent College in Whalley Range. 

The place has had a long history, first as a college for Dissenters, then as the GMB* National College and now as the British Muslim Heritage Centre.

The postcard image dates from the early 20th century and was sent to Miss K Phillips of Devon with the message that the new principal was “going to preach at Chorlton Road next Sunday.”

The photographer was a J.Porter, who seems to have specialized in pictures linked to religious buildings and occasions and may well have worked for M. Carr & Co who published a series of cards entitled the Moss Side Series.**

Now I suspect this is one of those tantalizing leads that will take me off in all directions.

But that is for another time.

*General, Municipal, Boilermakers and Allied Trade Union.

** A number of his images appear in a collection of 58 photographs held by the Greater Manchester County Record Office, covering the period 1907-1918 which are listed by the National Archives, http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=124-2119&cid=-1#-1

Picture; from the Lloyd collection