RootsChat.Com
Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Free Photo Restoration & Date Old Photographs => Topic started by: sailorbaz on Monday 29 March 10 22:51 BST (UK)
-
I would be most grateful if someone could restore and date the attached photo. I was told by a cousin that it is of my great great grandparents Abraham and Elizabeth Taylor both born in 1813, were childhood sweethearts, married and had 6 chidren. They lived out their days in the almshouses in Middleton Cheney, Northants and died within 5 days of each other in 1896. Is it possible they could have been photographed at the age they are in the photo?
Thanks in advance
Barry
-
Hi Barry......I have had a try, its about the best I can do I'm afraid.
Carolyn :)
-
And a colour one.
Carolyn :)
-
Thanks Carolyn. I like the coloured one. I'm going to show it to my Mum who is 95 - she may remember having seen other photos of them.
Barry
-
I'd say the photo was taken about 1859-60. If this is correct then the couple would be aged about 47. So I guess it could be your g-g-grandparents.
Another opinion would be worth having.
I'm just a bit conservative about the fact that she doesn't have a wider crinoline for that date.
Leonie.
Added; just had a look at a couple more books, I think the photo could have been taken as early as 1856.
-
Thanks Leonie. I wasn't sure if these kind of photos were taken that early. What's the earliest you've seen?
Barry
-
I'm no expert on photography Barry, I'm more into art and fashion, but studio photography started early 1850's, as far as I'm aware.
That's why I advised another opinion. :D
Leonie.
-
If the photo is of Abraham and Elizabeth, then this photo is of their daughter Ann with her husband John Brookes. Can anyone see a likeness?
Barry
-
Hello Barry
The woman's dress style suggests early 1880's as does her Dolman,a cape with sleeves which was designed to fit over the bustle.It's possible this is slightly earlier at late 1870's but I wouldn't go beyond that.seeing the cardstock would be better but I'm assuming you don't have the original.
So late 1870's - early 1880's.They look around 40 to me.
The 2nd. looks to be 1920's although it's hard to date older women she does look reasonably fashionable.
jim
-
Thanks for the info Jim. The second photo is of my great grandparents. Ann died in 1912 so my thoughts were that it was just prior to that.
Barry
-
Hello Barry
2nd. not 1912.Women particularly older ones didn't dress like this at that time.
jim
-
Jim,
Are you saying the second photo is later than 1912? The man is definitely my great grandfather John Brookes and as Ann (his second wife and my great grandmother) died in 1912, it could be his third wife Agatha Pruce. My grandmother didn't get on with her at all and left home as a result!
Barry
-
Jumping in here as Jim is in a different time zone so, knowing Jim's every thought, I can safely say that he'd tell you it's later than 1912 ;D For one thing, the v-necked collar style didn't even start until about 1913-1914, so even if this lady is on the cutting edge of fashion she wouldn't be wearing that neckline in 1912.
For another thing, the untucked blouse is a style that as far as I know was unheard of, for a lady, at that time. I've been trying to find out when it was first seen, without any luck, but I'd think it's relatively recent.
The first photo, I agree with Jim...pleats were an 1870s thing but this outfit has the sleek look of 1880s, so very late 70s' maybe, but more likely early 1880s.
Cheers,
China
-
Hi Barry...Here's clean of your other photo.
Carol
Added....At last ;D ;D ;D
-
Thanks Carol - I like the border! I just have to find out now if she was my gran's 'wicked' stepmother!!!
Barry
-
My pleasure Barry...He does look a tad scared of her doesn't he ;D ;D ;D
Carol
-
Hi Carol,
Yes he does and she looks very stern but then most of the women in theses old posed photos do, don't they?
I see you are in E. Yorks. - I've just discovered that the sister of Ann Taylor (who I thought was in the photo), Mary Ann Taylor born 1845 in Middleton Cheney, Northants married William Chafer b. 1836 in Scarborough in 1882 and then lived in 'Florida Cottage', Mereside, Hornsea. It's a bit of a mystery how she ended up there.
Barry