21 stunning old photographs of York's chocolate factories

Loving the head-scarves, ladies. There was time for style and a smile on the production line. Photographs: York's Chocolate Story — Loving the head-scarves, ladies. There was time for style and a smile on the production line even when it was converted for war work. Photographs: York’s Chocolate Story

No wonder they’re smiling. They worked with chocolate. Every day.

Well, almost every day. This wonderfully evocative picture from York Chocolate Story’s Chocolate and the People of York exhibition actually shows workers packing fuses for the war effort.

Chocolate and the People of York

York’s Chocolate Story

Every day, 10am-4pm

from £8.95

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Now, the city’s former confectionery workers have been invited to a special get-together in September to browse the exhibition and to share their memories and stories with researchers from York Past & Present who are launching an official oral history project delving into the fascinating history of this key industry.

Exhibition coordinator Jenni Shepherd said:

We’re thrilled to be working with York Past & Present to archive some of the wonderful stories our visitors have told us over the years.

I’m I’m keeping my fingers crossed that our event might see some reunions from the packing lines

If you worked in York’s confectionery industry and would like to attend the event, contact Jenni at [email protected] or 01904 527722.

In the meantime, let’s sit back and unwrap a few tasty snaps, courtesy of York’s Chocolate Story.