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Author Archive for Richard Haines

Photographs Forever – Where Memories Meet Artistry

We would like to share more about our collective passion for the arts and how this love for art shapes every restoration we do.

Richard’s passion for photography began at age 10 with his first Brownie 127 camera, marking him as the family photographer. By 1974, he was capturing candid images of the prog rock band Genesis – photos that have been featured in various media outlets, most recently in the October edition of Record Collector magazine. You can see more Genesis image HERE

 

His lifelong love for photography led him to establish Photographs Forever, where customer care and exceptional quality are at the heart of every restoration we do.

It’s no surprise then that daughter Amy has shared a love and appreciation for photography for as long as she can remember. Today, her love of the arts has found its purpose in the restoration work she does every day. With a keen eye for detail, she’s dedicated to bringing a new lease of life to photos while carefully preserving the authenticity that makes each one truly special.

Digital photo restoration is truly an art. It requires skill, patience, and dedication –  there’s no rushing the process. We take the time needed to bring each photo back to its absolute best, with care in every detail.

A Picture Brought Back to Life: The Story of PC Austwick

The Murder of PC Austwick (1855-1861)

 It’s said that very picture does tell a story.  But for me, the story was minus the picture until I found the excellent team at Photographs Forever.

It was while researching facts about two WW1 soldiers from my village of Lumby, in North Yorkshire that I came across the story of a local policeman who was shot and murdered by a miner.

PC Alfred Austwick was born in Lumby in 1855.  Our village is a place invariably described as a “slumbering hamlet” of about forty houses.  Little has changed since Austwick’s days other than the “thatched cotts” have long gone only to be replaced by barn conversions and new builds but the village still retains its essential charm and peaceful location.  Laurel Farm, where PC Austwick’s father and brother worked, no longer deals in livestock as it once did, but is still a functioning arable farm.

The British Newspaper Archive is a fascinated treasure of facts and I discovered that the murder, which took place about 30 miles away, in Dodworth, near Barnsley, became a national scandal as the man responsible, James Murphy, an itinerant miner with a previous criminal record for burglary and poaching had, after the shooting in the grounds of the Traveller’s Inn, gone on the run for several weeks.  The written style of language is ornate, compared with today, beautifully descriptive and in and amongst the facts I found that several reporters were still intent, even then, on seeking out the salacious gossip!

Over the last few months, I have collated and edited features and articles to build an elaborate picture of what happened.  I was fascinated by how entrenched Christianity was in every area of the lives of people at that time, how fair a trial Murphy received, how there was much compassion for his family and how prison authorities took great care of him.  His relatives were afforded expenses to visit him, he was given the best meat and a chaplain visited him daily.  The death sentence hanged over him but all attempts were made to overturn it.

Beyond the press research I also spent several days in the village of Dodworth and their library – and have been hugely enabled by a retired historian/miner, Steven Wyatt who took time out of his busy life to show me landmarks, to help me understand the area and to help me appreciate what life must have been like then.

Through Steve I was introduced to the owner of the Traveller’s Inn, Jane, who showed me a framed collation of a photocopied newspaper report, Austwick’s whistle and most exciting of all a faded, cut and creased original photo of PC Alfred Austwick, in uniform.

I felt that if I could get the photo restored it would be a fitting image to feature on the cover of the book.  After two photographic experts claimed it wasn’t possible to repair and restore I discovered the excellent team at Photographs Forever – Richard, Amy and Luca.  Not only did they give me the confidence to send it securely to them, but they were at pains to explain how carefully they would manage it.  This was a precious photograph, about 150 years old and it didn’t belong to me.  The team’s customer care is as equal in excellence as the brilliant work they do.  All through the process I was kept informed from the safe arrival of the photograph to the process that they would undertake, to the secure return.

The result was beyond anything that I could have expected.  My faded, armless policeman had been brought back to life – so vividly his eyes seem to engage with mine.

It has been a privilege to remember a man who lost his life so tragically, who left several children without a father and a stricken wife who, at the time of the funeral, was one month pregnant with their sixth child.

PC Austwick’s body was returned to our parish for burial very close to the church gates, and I think of the many hundreds of times I have walked past his grave, never knowing of the story within.

Now, not only can I pay my respects at his graveside, but thanks to the team at Photographs Forever,  I can picture the man who did much to help and protect the lives of villagers in Victorian Britain.

The team helped me tell his story and I remain hugely grateful.

Hilary Robinson’s book The Murder of PC Austwick is available to purchase HERE

Photographs Forever – Truly a Family Business

It has occurred to us you might not know that we are a family team at Photographs Forever. So, we thought we would take a moment to re-introduce ourselves and remind you of the true value of a family business.

I began Photographs Forever in 2009 and, since 2021, I have been lucky enough to have my daughter Amy working alongside me.

Amy and Richard – Don’t panic, this photo of us is from 1999!

As a father and daughter team we truly span the generations, offering a great wealth of experience and a first-hand understanding of just how important our photos are.  Being a small team allows us to act with empathy and common sense at all times – your photos are unique to you and we understand that this means our process needs to be unique as well.

Building relationships and trust with our customers is at the heart of what we do. We have developed so many amazing connections over the years and we love hearing all of the wonderful stories behind your photos – we have been lucky enough to restore some amazing historical images!

As a family business, we know personally just how essential photos are in keeping us connected to our past, for now and generations to come, and we are always here to help or offer advice whenever you need it.

Today, Amy’s partner Luca works alongside us too, heading up our in-house design projects and ensuring we continue to thrive together as a family business.

All you need to do is take the time to sort out those special photographs, and you can leave the rest to us!

Jayne Shrimpton – ‘Photo Detective’ Since the 1980s

Have you ever wanted to know the date when a particular photograph of your ancestors was taken?
Jayne Shrimpton is the leading expert to help you.

Jayne Shrimpton is a respected fashion historian and author, known for her expertise in historic and vintage fashion. With a keen eye for detail and deep knowledge, Jayne has brought the past to life through her work, analyzing photographs, paintings, and garments to tell the stories behind the clothing of different eras. Her engaging articles and talks reveal how fashion trends reflect broader social and cultural shifts. Jayne’s work captivates history enthusiasts by showing how what we wear connects with who we are and where we come from. Her passion makes history feel relevant and alive, one stitch at a time.

Ancestry.com – The Perfect Place to Create Your Family History

Ancestry.com is a leading platform for exploring family history and genealogy, providing a variety of benefits that make it a top choice for individuals wanting to discover their roots.

You can currently have a 14 day free trial so you can see how useful it is for yourself.  CLICK HERE

Here are the 15 most compelling reasons for using Ancestry.com:

1. Extensive Historical Records

Ancestry.com boasts billions of records, including birth, marriage, death, census, immigration, military, and more.

The platform provides access to records from numerous countries, making it easier to trace international family connections.

2. User-Friendly Interface

The website is easy to navigate, making it simple for users, even beginners, to start building their family trees and accessing historical data.

Step-by-step hints and suggestions help guide users in finding relevant information without feeling overwhelmed.

3. DNA Testing Services

DNA provides users with an ethnicity breakdown, offering insights into their genetic origins and heritage.

The service connects users with potential relatives based on shared DNA, helping to uncover extended family members and new branches of the family tree.

4. Family Tree Building Tools

The platform offers tools to create detailed family trees that can include photos, stories, and historical records.

Users can collaborate with family members to build and expand their family tree together.

5. Record Hints and Smart Matches

Ancestry.com suggests potential matches and relevant records for individuals in your family tree, simplifying the research process.

This feature helps users quickly discover new information and verify their research with confidence.

6. Educational Resources and Guidance

Ancestry.com offers tutorials, articles, and videos to help users become more proficient in genealogical research.

Users can join forums and groups to get advice and share discoveries with others interested in genealogy.

7. Integration with Historical Context

The platform provides background information on historical events and trends relevant to specific time periods, giving users a richer understanding of their ancestors’ lives.

Maps, old photographs, and newspaper clippings enhance the storytelling aspect of family history.

8. Mobile App Access

The Ancestry mobile app allows users to continue their research from anywhere, making it convenient to access records and update family trees.

Users can scan and upload family photos directly from their smartphones, preserving them digitally.

9. Preservation of Family Heritage

Ancestry.com allows users to compile and preserve their family stories, photos, and documents in one secure place for future generations.

Family trees can be shared with loved ones, ensuring that the collected history is passed down and enjoyed by the entire family.

10. Comprehensive Subscription Plans

Ancestry.com offers various subscription levels, allowing users to choose plans that fit their research needs and budget.

Higher-tier plans provide more extensive access to global records and databases.

11. Access to Original Documents

Users can view original documents and historical images, making the research experience more authentic and trustworthy.

Seeing the actual records can help verify details and provide deeper insights into family history.

12. Support for Adopted Individuals

Ancestry.com can be particularly helpful for those trying to find biological family members through DNA testing and shared matches.

The platform can aid in providing information that leads to emotional closure or a deeper understanding of personal heritage.

13. Continuous Updates and Expansions

Ancestry.com frequently updates its databases and adds new records, ensuring that users have access to the most comprehensive data possible.

The platform invests in improving its tools and features to enhance user experience and research capabilities.

14. Family Stories and Memoirs

Users can add stories and anecdotes about their relatives, keeping memories alive and connecting generations.

Through these stories, users can learn about family traditions, achievements, and challenges.

15. Trust and Reliability

Ancestry.com is one of the most reputable and widely used genealogy sites, trusted by millions of users for its thoroughness and reliability.

The platform places importance on user privacy and data security, giving users confidence in how their information is handled.

In summary, Ancestry.com provides a comprehensive and engaging way to explore and document family history. Whether for casual interest or deep research, it offers tools and resources that make genealogy accessible and fulfilling.

Featured on Sarah Beeny’s Life In The Country

In Series 3 Episode 5 Sarah Beeny discovers many odd antiques and family heirlooms that have been passed down through generations and decides that the best way to use these findings in their new home is to transform their downstairs cloakroom into a Victorian cupboard of curiosities. That’s where Photographs Forever came in and we were asked to restore some of the deteriorating precious family photographs.

Here’s one as we received it, together with the restored version and below as it appeared actually in situ in the cloakroom.

 

New Life in the Country is a Channel 4 documentary series starring property expert and TV presenter Sarah Beeny and her family. The show follows Beeny, her husband Graham Swift, and their four sons as they embark on an ambitious project to build a sustainable new home and start a new chapter in the Somerset countryside.

The series documents the Beeny family’s move from London to rural Somerset, where they take on the challenge of building a modern, eco-friendly home on 220 acres of farmland. It captures the highs and lows of creating a new life in the countryside, from construction challenges to the family’s adaptation to a different lifestyle.

The show is a mix of property development, family life, and lifestyle change. It highlights themes of sustainability, self-sufficiency, and the rewards and difficulties of significant life changes.

Throughout the episodes, viewers see various stages of the home’s construction, interior design decisions, and landscaping projects. The show also delves into the family’s day-to-day life, interactions with the local community, and adjustments to country living.

The series has been well-received for its genuine depiction of family life and the beauty of the English countryside. Viewers appreciate Sarah Beeny’s relatable approach and openness about the challenges they face.

Sarah Beeny and Graham Swift’s project reflects their long-held dream of raising their children closer to nature and living a more grounded lifestyle. The documentary provides insights into the balancing act between professional ambition and family priorities.

Overall, New Life in the Country offers an engaging mix of home-building inspiration, personal storytelling, and picturesque rural life that appeals to fans of property shows and lifestyle documentaries.

 

 

Photographs Forever – Remembrance Day Interview on BBC Morning Live

 

BBC Morning Live asked Photographs Forever to appear in their Remembrance Day broadcast.

CLICK HERE to see our founder Richard discussing the importance of restoring your photographs. Watch to see our customer Nigel’s reaction to seeing his grandfather’s photo in full colour for the first time.

Here are some more good reasons to get those precious photographs restored:

Preserve Irreplaceable Memories: Old photographs often hold priceless memories of loved ones and significant moments. Restoring them ensures these special memories are kept alive and passed down through generations.

Protect Against Further Damage: Time can be harsh on photographs, causing fading, tears, and discoloration. Restoring them now helps prevent further deterioration and protects them for the future.

Reconnect with Your Family’s Story: Restored photos help keep family history vivid and relatable. They bring stories to life and make it easier for younger generations to connect with their heritage.

Celebrate and Share Special Moments: Bringing photos back to their original glory lets you display them proudly in your home or create gifts that can be shared with family and friends.

Create Lasting Legacies: Restoring and identifying people in your photos ensures that stories and names don’t get lost over time. It’s a beautiful way to honor the past and keep loved ones’ legacies alive.

Enhance Visual Quality: Restoration can bring out details that were previously hard to see, adding clarity and depth to treasured images and allowing you to appreciate them in their full beauty.

Digital Safeguards: Restored photos can be digitized, making it easier to store, share, and back them up so they’re safe from accidents or damage to physical prints.

 

Identify The Date Your Photograph Was Taken

We quite often are asked to date photographs that we receive.

This is a specialist skill and the person to talk to is Jayne Shrimpton.

Jayne Shrimpton offers a professional service dating and interpreting photographs and artworks for family historians; local history and genealogy groups; historical and art institutions and TV production companies. Jayne’s formal visual training and experience of working across all artistic and photographic media, combined with her extensive fashion history knowledge, has given her a unique skillset, ideal for successfully interpreting historical images. After decades of advising family and local historians and academic researchers, she understands the importance of time and place and can explain each photograph, painting, drawing and silhouette, revealing its historical context.

For more information click here to go to Jayne Shrimpton’s website.

 

How Stephen Saved The History Of The Titanic…

We’d like to share with you the fascinating story of Stephen Raffield, an avid Titanic historian and collector, who came to us last year with a very special photo album. Stephen and his wife had acquired a personal photograph album of John Kempster’s containing unique, never before seen, historic photographs of both Olympic and Titanic ships. The album was headed for being completely dismantled before they stepped in.

Stephen explains, ‘John Kempster joined Harland and Wolff Belfast in 1900, and was appointed as managing director in 1906 in charge of the electrical plant. Kempster became involved in the construction and launch of both Olympic and Titanic. He was also a very keen photographer and, in 2012, an album of photographs taken and developed by him came to light. A lady walked into a Wiltshire auction house and asked if the album she was holding was worth anything. As well as a number of photographs of the Kempster’s family holiday in America in 1911, the album contained stunning, never seen before, photos of Olympic leaving Belfast for her maiden voyage and also the launch of Titanic and her own departure from Belfast for the first and last time. The photographs are of exquisite quality and finely detailed. The initial plan of the auctioneers was to break up the album and sell off the photographs singly or in small batches. Steve and Jane Raffield, collectors of Titanic memorabilia, were able to negotiate the purchase of the whole album so that this unique record of both Olympic and Titanic at Belfast would be preserved for the future.’

Stephen came to us with the Kempster album.  We scanned the photos in high definition so that each photograph could be safely stored on Stephen’s computer and was also able to appreciate the greater detail of the enlarged images for the first time!

We went on to digitally enhance, and bring out of the photos even more definition by using modern technology, and removing any imperfections from the photos which Kempster himself had developed and printed. We also re-created the album so Stephen could give replica copies to his children.

“The restored photos are simply stunning. The originals are amazing and I didn’t think you could improve much from what are the most detailed photos in the world of the launch of Titanic. Absolutely amazing!”

The original album, photographs and the rest of the Raffield Titanic Collection are currently on display in Brisbane, Australia.

Going, Going, Gone! 

Here is one of the frames we provided showing photographs of the Titanic actually being launched.


It’s very easy to start the process of saving your own precious photos. All you have to do is send us a message!

ENQUIRE TODAY

Colourisation For Channel 4 Titanic Documentary

Production Company Woodcut Media asked Photographs Forever to colourise historic photographs of the construction, launch and life on board the Titanic.

“It’s a story often told in black and white. Now we reveal the ship in its true colours,” says narrator Tracy-Ann Oberman

The Daily Mail previewed the program

‘Incredible new colourised photographs have given an insight into what life was really like on the Titanic.

New Channel 4 documentary Titanic In Colour is airing 4th August, bringing life into the stories of the passengers onboard the famously doomed ship.

The RMS Titanic famously sank on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York on 15 April, 1912, with an estimated 2,224 people onboard.

The ‘unsinkable’ ship  hit an iceberg just before midnight and as there were only 20 lifeboats onboard, 1,500 people lost their lives.

In the programme, relatives of those onboard tell their untold stories, while colourised photos and film footage gives a unique insight into daily life on the superliner.’

THE DOCUMENTARY CAN BE WATCHED AGAIN VIA THIS LINK