As a family, we know just how hard it can be to find unique gift ideas each year. That’s why we want to remind you of the magic of photo restoration and colourisation. Every photo collection holds the power to transport us back to meaningful moments in time…
Behind every photo is someone who chose to capture that moment. We’re here to restore those moments, so you can enjoy them as they were meant to be.
Unfortunately, physical photos deteriorate over time, and because it happens gradually, we often don’t notice until the damage is severe…
Whether it’s a wedding day or a loved one who’s no longer with us, photos bring a flood of emotions. This connection to family, friends, pets, and places, and the chance to relive special moments, is truly priceless.
Choosing which photos to restore can be daunting, especially for someone else. Our Gift Vouchers make it simple – available in any value and valid for any of our services. Let your loved one decide which photos to restore, while you give a meaningful gift without the stress.
It’s said that every 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
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!
For this month only (April 2024) we are offering a 20% discount on digital colourisation.
We all understand the power a photograph can have to transport us back to moments filled with laughter, love, and nostalgia, and whilst black & white photos are fantastic, sometimes a vibrant colour photograph can make all the difference.
We now have the ability to sharpen up those out of focus faces that many old photographs suffer from. Sharpening face detail restores lost detail and brings back the true skin tones and all aspects of face detail
This photograph was taken on 3rd of February 1962, when Colin and Jan were just 21 and 19 years old. As soon as we saw the photo we were instantly struck by how heart-warming it was, their faces a perfect picture of happiness!
Since 1962 Colin and Jan went on to have four children and four grand-children, and it was their grand-daughter Emily who contacted us in January as she hoped to give her grandparents a restored version of their precious photograph for their 60th wedding anniversary.
Jan says “We got married at the church that was once part of Hanworth Palace owned by Henry VIII. I walked through the door on the arm of my dad and felt part of the history of it all. Hiring the Daimler on the day of our wedding was a luxury I had not known before. The car arrived to take us the short distance to the reception. It was such a happy day I don’t think we noticed the cold February weather.”
Emily tells us that her great-grandfather (Jan’s dad) was the gardener at Hanworth Palace, and when her granddad Colin first visited her Nan, who lived in the grounds, he mistakenly thought he had struck gold, believing Jan’s family owned the estate!
On 3rd February 2022, Emily presented her grandparents with the photograph that we had restored and framed and kindly sent us these photographs of their reaction…
Photographs Forever has recently had some mentions on Boom Radio. Boom is a new radio station which I found a couple of months ago and am really enjoying. There are many presenters we know from other radio stations like Bob Harris and David Hamilton and the music played is just the music that we like (if you were around in the sixties, seventies and eighties).
Nothing like a bit of nostalgia!
Boom represents the spirit of a generation. A UK radio station targeting baby boomers – now aged in their late 50s, 60s and 70s. – who still feel young and seize every opportunity life offers.The presenters they grew up with play the songs with which they share a deep emotional connection. Radio enjoys a special place in people’s lives – and Boomers love it, with 93% of us tuning in. I really recommend it so take a listen.
Here are a few of the presenters that have mentioned Photographs Forever with the sound clips
DAVID LLOYD
After almost retiring, Boom Radio was the dream of David Lloyd. He began in commercial radio in Nottingham as a teenager, fulfilling a dream he’d nurtured since appearing on BBC local radio reading a poem aged 6. He rose through the ranks to manage radio stations in Leicester, Lincoln, Leeds, Birmingham and LBC and Virgin in London – departing only for a brief sojourn in media regulation – and he’s passionate about the project.
NICKY HORNE
For a generation, his was the daring voice on Capital Radio, as the host of ‘Your Mother Wouldn’t Like it’. Nicky was also heard on Virgin and the BBC. Now, surrounded by his own record collection, he broadcasts daily from his lair 4-6 weekdays, playing a wide selection of music, including some treasured album tracks.
‘TWIGGY’ ROGER DAY
Radio has been Roger Day’s life. ‘Your Thinner Record Spinner’ was born in Cheltenham, and began his career in offshore pirate radio, firstly on Swinging Radio England before transferring to Caroline. As the pirate stations were banned, he spent a short stint at Radio Luxembourg before famously compering a Beach Boys Tour – before a dramatic spell at Radio Northsea International. Back on land, he was the first presenter as Piccadilly Radio launched in Manchester and, more recently he’s been heard regularly on BBC local radio. At Boom, he says he’s come home – and he’s having the most fun he’s had since the 70s.
Boom Radio resonates with the older generation for several reasons, offering a unique listening experience that appeals to their tastes and values. Here’s why it’s so beloved:
Nostalgic Music Playlist
Golden Oldies: Boom Radio specializes in playing songs from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s—eras that hold special significance for older listeners who grew up during those times.
Timeless Classics: The station’s playlist is filled with hits that evoke fond memories, creating an emotional connection with its audience.
Familiar and Trusted Presenters
Experienced Hosts: Boom Radio features presenters who have been in the radio industry for decades, many of whom are well-known to the older generation. This familiarity creates a sense of comfort and trust.
Personal Stories and Warmth: The presenters often share personal anecdotes and stories from their own experiences, fostering a sense of shared history with their listeners.
A Relaxed, Unhurried Pace
Authentic Radio Experience: Unlike fast-paced, high-energy stations, Boom Radio provides a relaxed and thoughtful approach that matches the lifestyle of older listeners.
Engaging Conversations: The station takes time to engage in more meaningful conversations, rather than quick soundbites, which appeals to those who enjoy thoughtful, relatable content.
Tailored Content
Relevant Themes: The programming often features content relevant to older audiences, such as reminiscing about historical moments, discussing cultural shifts, or celebrating legendary musicians and events.
Interactive Segments: Boom Radio invites listener interaction through song requests, dedications, and calls, fostering a community feel.
An Escape from Modern Trends
Avoids Overly Commercialized Content: Boom Radio steers clear of the highly commercial, chart-focused music prevalent on other stations, offering a break from modern trends that may not resonate with older tastes.
Authentic and Personal: Listeners appreciate the station’s genuine, non-corporate feel, making it seem more personal and aligned with their values.
Inclusive and Community-Oriented
Belonging and Connection: The station’s programming is designed to make listeners feel part of a community, sharing in memories and enjoying a collective nostalgia.
Listener-Centric Approach: Boom Radio’s focus on its audience’s preferences creates a bond that makes listeners feel understood and appreciated.
Easy Access and User-Friendly
Simple to Tune In: Boom Radio is available on digital platforms, making it accessible to older listeners who may not have access to traditional FM radio.
Multi-Platform Availability: Whether on DAB, smart speakers, or online, Boom Radio ensures its audience can listen in the way that suits them best.
Uplifting and Familiar Content
Positive Vibes: The station maintains a cheerful and uplifting atmosphere that brings joy and energy to its listeners’ days.
Memory-Triggering Playlists: The songs often trigger memories of life’s milestones, family events, and the general past, adding a warm and emotional layer to the listening experience.
In essence, Boom Radio’s appeal lies in its ability to create a bridge to the past, offering music and content that reconnects listeners with the best times of their lives. Its authentic, listener-focused approach makes it a comforting, enjoyable, and emotionally enriching experience for the older generation.
Yes, Photographs Forever was on BBC One TV, Morning Live at 9:15am on Thursday 11th November.
We were featured as part of a Remembrance Day programme where I discuss the importance of photograph restoration and we follow the restoration and colourisation of a sentimental army photograph from 1914 belonging to my customer Nigel. I then present the restored photograph to him for the first time, live on camera. Nigel also explains the story behind this historical photograph and just how much the restored photograph means to him and his family.
Here is the link if you’d like to watch our segment of the programme.
2020 has been a very unusual year in so many ways for all of us. One factor that has occurred to many of us is the importance of the family and close relationships as we have had time to reflect.
I will be moving to a smaller house soon and, as I have to get rid of quite a lot of ‘stuff’, it has occurred to me that when I look around the house to decide what’s precious, there really is very little that I couldn’t live without. Except photographs. Photographs are one of the very few things that can’t be replaced and they are therefore possibly our most important and valuable possession.
Because we have all had more time on our hands than usual, photograph collections that have been overlooked for years have finally been finding the light of day and getting them scanned and either optimised or fully restored has enabled these very special photographs to be enjoyed so much more.
So, if you haven’t checked out your own photograph collection yet, there is no better time than the cold dark winter months. Apart from anything else, it is actually a very enjoyable exercise. So make that diary note to do it. You’ll be glad you did.
