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.
There has been a very big increase in the number of photographs I have received because going through the masses of old family photographs is a job that is so often put off by many people due to lack of time and for these past few months have provided the time and the environment to tackle the task. It’s always much more fun than people expect. And the rewards are huge.
I am now very excited to be able to offer you a top quality bespoke framing service. This means I can offer custom size prints, mounts and frames to show off your restored photographs in the best way possible so they can receive the attention and admiration they deserve.
The most popular moulding is the solid wood satin black or mahogany with single or double mounts.
Satin Black Frame
Mahogany frame
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I can also provide multi aperture frames – the one below is 20in x 16in with two landscape format 8in x 6in prints and two portrait format 5in x 7in prints. There are several multi aperture options available and the frames can be any size you choose. Heavier mouldings are available for larger sizes.
I can even show you what your photograph will look like before you order including all the relevant dimensions. This is particularly useful if you want a specific frame size to fit a specific space in your house.
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A representation of your own photo with dimensions added
This photograph was in a really bad state as you can see below.
Ann M was very happy with the result. She told me “My Mum’s picture has pride of place on the mantelpiece and is a great talking point for everyone who comes in! My brother and sisters back in Ireland have been astounded and delighted with the copies I sent them. It has given us all so much happiness.”
