Photo Dating & Restoration please

[LesleysLincs]

This photo was taken in Australia & is said to be that of George Snr. 1785-1828 who was known to be in the Masons.

I believe it to be his son Wm. George 1812-1893.

I would be very grateful if someone was able to clean it up & improve the photo & give an approximate date.

Regards Lesley

[chinakay]

Hi Lesley...well, as photography wasn't even invented (practically speaking) until 1839 it was a thing of the future to George Sr.

The sitter's clothing is undateable really, but by the pose and backdrop and the style of the frame I'd say mid 1870s. I think I can see a headclamp stand behind him, to keep his head still, which pretty much disappeared by 1875 or so, but it isn't any earlier than this because of the frame.

Do you have the original, and did you scan it yourself? If so, I suggest you may have used the wrong scanner setting, which should be photo mode rather than anything else. You would get much better results were this scanned in photo mode.

Cheers,
China

[LesleysLincs]

Thank you China,
That does confirm my thoughts. Unfortunately this is a 3rd hand print, so I doubt I would be able to get a better one.
Many thanks Lesley

[stevew101]

My attempt

[stevew101]

One with a bit more colour

[LesleysLincs]

Thank you Steve,
The extra colour looks good, but was this an educated guess for the regalia colours? Is it too much to ask for a light sepia version,
I would be most grateful
Lesley

[stevew101]

Thank you Steve,
The extra colour looks good, but was this an educated guess for the regalia colours? Is it too much to ask for a light sepia version,
I would be most grateful
Lesley

Hi Lesley,

The Masonic Regalia colours are usually Blue/Gold.  This can vary from light to dark blue, but is more often a light blue.  I think that someone has tried at some time to hand colour your picture with some red and black.  There are some pictures on the internet of red regalia, so I may be wrong.

The following seems to be the most common colour scheme ....

http://www.rootschat.com/links/0wzz/


I am not around today, but will try to sort out a sepia version for you this evening.

Steve

[stevew101]

Sepia version

Steve

[LesleysLincs]

Many thanks Steve,
A great job with a rather unpromising photo.

Regards
Lesley