Rare 1898 Port Vale Photograph Donated to Club Archive by Barewall Art Gallery

A remarkable piece of early football history has been officially donated to Port Vale F.C. by Barewall Art Gallery following its discovery by local resident Brian Nuttall

The rare photograph, dating from the 1897–98 season, captures members of the Burslem Port Vale squad training at Matlock during one of the club’s earliest English Cup campaigns. The image was brought into Barewall Art Gallery by Brian Nuttall on 18th March 2026, having been carefully preserved by his late Uncle, Mr Roy Nutall, for generations.

Alongside the main image, an additional historic photograph of the team was also donated, further adding to the significance of the collection and providing an even richer insight into the club’s early years.

The donation also included a newspaper cutting from The Sentinel 1949, featuring Mr J.E. Evans, believed to have been the last surviving member of the team pictured. It is thought that Mr Evans was a relation of Mr Roy Nutall’s wife, Shirley, adding a deeply personal family connection to the historic photographs.

Recognising the photographs’ importance to both the club and the wider sporting heritage of the Potteries, Barewall Art Gallery has now formally donated the images to Port Vale F.C., where they will become part of the club’s official archive.

The main photograph is believed to relate to Port Vale’s English Cup First Round ties against Sheffield United F.C. during the 1897–98 season. The original match, played in Sheffield on 29 January 1898, ended in a 1–1 draw before Burslem Port Vale secured a memorable 2–1 victory after extra time in the replay at Cobridge on 2 February 1898.

The image includes several named players and staff from the era, including Allen (trainer), Boullemier, Clare (captain), Birchenhough, Bayley (reserve), J.E. Evans, Beech, Spilsbury, Peake, McDonald, R. Evans, Simpson and Heames.

The donation represents an important moment in preserving the heritage of one of the area’s oldest and most celebrated football clubs, offering supporters and historians a rare glimpse into football life in the Victorian era.

Brian Nuttall said:

“I wanted the photos to be passed on to Port Vale Football Club where they will be cared for and looked at by club members and fans. I am delighted that they are now with the Port Vale football club for everyone to see now and into the future.”

Ryan Grant, Director of Growth at Port Vale, said: 

"We're incredibly grateful, both to Brian and the team at Barewall, for entrusting us with such a great piece of Vale history. It's incredibly timely as we celebrate the club's 150^th anniversary in 2026 and serves as a great reminder of our roots from the late 1800s. Over time, we have ambitions of creating a permanent home for Vale memorabilia here at Vale Park and I have no doubt this piece will be popular among supporters."

Amanda Bromley, Director of Barewall Art Gallery said:

“We immediately recognised the historical importance of the photograph and felt it belonged within Port Vale’s own archive where supporters and future generations can appreciate it. It is a fascinating insight into the very early years of the club and local football heritage and we were delighted to facilitate the handing over of the photograph and press cutting. As a Port Vale supporter and season ticket holder I couldn’t be more delighted!”

Barewall Art Gallery is located in the market place in Burslem and is open weekly from Tuesday – Saturday from 10am to 5pm. For more information, visit: www.barewall.co.uk.