I don’t know
about anyone else, but I really like looking at old photos. Although by
historical standards, photographs have not been around so long – becoming
practical around 1839. At first having a photo taken would have been both
expensive and time consuming, and so it would have been the rich who were the
first to be photographed, with photos taking several minutes (and sitting
completely still) to be taken. This would explain why most early pictures of
people involved them sitting. As time went by, travelling photographers would tour about the
area, taking photos of the places and people. A particularly well known
photographer was Francis Frith, and many of his pictures have been published in
books and for local history outlets. Photographic studios also opened, allowing
ordinary people to have their pictures taken, with many studios based at
holiday resorts, and people would take the opportunity for a holiday snap,
often with a studio backdrop, or the use of studio clothes or props. Unlike
today when we almost all have a camera or camera phone, and take photos
wherever we go, even 50 years ago , many families didn’t own a camera , and
having a photograph taken was an event.
We can
discover much from old photos, how places have changed, roads re-routed, houses
and building added or demolished and looking at family snaps, can cause some
hilarity, as we look back on past fashions, or perhaps see family resemblances
in ancestors and relations. Looking at family pictures can also be a great way
of connecting with those with dementia too, to bring back memories of the past.
Having
joined several online groups for sharing old photos, it always amazes me, to
think that the people in the pictures, were living their ordinary lives, and
wondering how the women in particular managed with the clothes they were
wearing, which of course were perfectly normal for them!, Looking at some of
the faces, too, the people are just the same as they are today.
Luckily for
me my Father was a keen photographer, and even developed his own black and
white pictures, so we have a very good photographic record of our childhood. I
have also inherited a number of old family photos too, and it is fascinating to
have a look at them. Perhaps a revelation to see my Grandparents as children
and teenagers!
As the
nights draw in, why not set aside some time to get your family photos out, they
can get the whole family involved, with a bit of humour, and memories both happy and sad. Number one instruction though for future generations – write on the
back of pictures, or place a note with them, of who is in the picture and when
it was taken! – Have fun!
Our next Heritage
meeting: Thursday 8th October 7pm in the Church. All welcome to our
informal meetings.
No comments:
Post a Comment