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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Free Photo Restoration & Date Old Photographs => Topic started by: Whipby on Wednesday 28 December 11 10:19 GMT (UK)

Title: Another one for dating please (+ restore if anyone would like to practice)
Post by: Whipby on Wednesday 28 December 11 10:19 GMT (UK)
Hello again

Here is another one of my local people collection, this time a bearded chap.  The only clue I have from the photographer's name and address is that according to a list that I have, J Carter was at 185 Newport Road in 1873.  I don't know how many years either side of this date he may have been there.  I will look for him in the censuses.

This photo is a little different from my others.  The oval portion is raised, giving an embossed feel.  It's all one piece of card with the photo pasted onto the front, but the oval shape has been pressed through from the back of the card to create the raised portion.  Does this make sense?

I love this photo.  The man's beard is magnificent!  Although it looks as though it has grey hairs in his beard, his face doesn't look very old to me.

There's not much to date regarding his outfit as there's not much of it visible.  I'm guessing mid-late 1870s but this is purely from the photographer's date and the style of  the design on the back, plus the rounded corners of the photo (am I correct in thinking these made an appearance in the late 1870s?)

I'd love the experts' opinions, and restorers please feel free to practice your restoring skills too if you wish!

Title: Re: Another one for dating please (+ restore if anyone would like to practice)
Post by: Whipby on Wednesday 28 December 11 10:24 GMT (UK)
Looking more closely at this photo, I'm not convinced that the corners are intentionally rounded, after all.  They may have just worn away.  The upper and lower left corners are definitely square (looking at the front of the photo).  The right hand corners look slightly rounded but may have started off square.

Maybe it's earlier 1870s after all?

Title: Re: Another one for dating please (+ restore if anyone would like to practice)
Post by: PrueM on Wednesday 28 December 11 10:30 GMT (UK)
Hi whipby :)
Great photo!
The oval vignette, dark background/surround and embossing are typical of the 1870s - the design on the back dates to the mid 1870s and the lack of rounded corners would suit this date as well.

Cheers
Prue
Title: Re: Another one for dating please (+ restore if anyone would like to practice)
Post by: Whipby on Wednesday 28 December 11 10:35 GMT (UK)
Hi Prue

Thanks for your quick response!  You've confirmed what I was thinking once I realised that the corners must have originally been square.  I agree, it's a cracking photo!

whipby
Title: Re: Another one for dating please (+ restore if anyone would like to practice)
Post by: jim1 on Wednesday 28 December 11 11:31 GMT (UK)
Agree with Prue,mid-late 1870's & he may be a Cleric,his waistcoat or what's visible of it looks like those worn by the Clergy.

jim
Title: Re: Another one for dating please (+ restore if anyone would like to practice)
Post by: japeflakes on Wednesday 28 December 11 11:43 GMT (UK)
..
Title: Re: Another one for dating please (+ restore if anyone would like to practice)
Post by: Whipby on Wednesday 28 December 11 13:38 GMT (UK)
Thank you Jim, and now you've mentioned it, he does have a vicarish look about him!  Pity his beard is hiding his collar!

Japeflakes, that's clearer, it's easier to see his eyes now.  Lovely restore.

whipby
Title: Re: Another one for dating please (+ restore if anyone would like to practice)
Post by: snapshotrest on Wednesday 28 December 11 14:34 GMT (UK)
How's This?  :)
Title: Re: Another one for dating please (+ restore if anyone would like to practice)
Post by: hoobaloo on Wednesday 28 December 11 15:01 GMT (UK)
I've had a practise on your picture and thank you for the opportunity, regards, John.
Title: Re: Another one for dating please (+ restore if anyone would like to practice)
Post by: Whipby on Wednesday 28 December 11 15:11 GMT (UK)
Great restores snapshot and hoobaloo.  Love the colour one!  :)
Title: Re: Another one for dating please (+ restore if anyone would like to practice)
Post by: snapshotrest on Wednesday 28 December 11 17:49 GMT (UK)
tried my hand at coloring as well.
Title: Re: Another one for dating please (+ restore if anyone would like to practice)
Post by: Whipby on Wednesday 28 December 11 20:20 GMT (UK)
These are great.  I'm currently thinking of getting some software that would allow me to do this - what would anyone recommend?
Title: Re: Another one for dating please (+ restore if anyone would like to practice)
Post by: japeflakes on Wednesday 28 December 11 20:23 GMT (UK)
A lot of spare time!!

Adobe photoshop elements is popular
Title: Re: Another one for dating please (+ restore if anyone would like to practice)
Post by: saddles on Thursday 29 December 11 02:21 GMT (UK)
Hi Whipby.........Another to add to the list.

Carolyn  :)
Title: Re: Another one for dating please (+ restore if anyone would like to practice)
Post by: Whipby on Thursday 29 December 11 10:00 GMT (UK)
Once again a triumph Carolyn!  You really are very skilled, it's lovely.

Japeflakes - thanks for the recommendation.  Do you know if Adobe photoshop elements is compatible with a Mac? 

Thanks.

whipby
Title: Re: Another one for dating please (+ restore if anyone would like to practice)
Post by: japeflakes on Thursday 29 December 11 10:48 GMT (UK)
I use Adobe Photoshop Elements on an iMac so YES

Title: Re: Another one for dating please (+ restore if anyone would like to practice)
Post by: Whipby on Thursday 29 December 11 11:12 GMT (UK)
Thanks Japeflakes!