Alf Mattison

Alf Mattison (1868–1944) was a socialist, local historian and photographer in Leeds and is known for his activity in the founding of the Independent Labour Party.

Early life Alf Mattison was born in Hunslet on 12 September 1868. He was one of 8 children, his father was a locomotive engineer and his mother worked in the textile trade. At 11 he started work in a wool mill, in his early teens he joined his father at Hunslet Engine Company as an apprentice engineer. His father died in 1890. and inspiring Mattison to split from the SDF and joining the newly formed Socialist League. and known as a particular expert on Leeds Labour history

He kept his own notebooks and clippings, as well as collecting material on Socialist history, including leaflets and literature. In 1929 his collection was bought by Lord Brotherton to be housed at the University of Leeds Library for study. His notebooks were donated to Leeds Public Libraries after his death.

Personal life Mattison worked at the Hunslet Engine Company until 1906 when he became a clerk at Leeds City Tramways Department. He met Florence "Florrie" Foulds through the Labour Church and they married in 1902. He died on 9 September 1944 when he was knocked down by a tram on Chapeltown Road.