Some years ago I bought a batch of of negatives for a few pounds. The photographs must have been taken during the 1940s and 50s, and many featured views of the Walkley area of Sheffield, so collectively I call them the Walkley Hoard. This is a print from one of the medium format negatives - … Continue reading The Walkley Hoard
Category: Pictures From Nowhere
With Love From Hilda And Leo
Another of my "Found Photos", and the only clue is a written greeting on the back of the photograph which says, "With love from Hilda and Leo". You don't need any more information than that; your imagination can write the entire novel. It's a story two people caught in the shifting sands of history.
Faces Of Halifax
This is another from my "Faces Of Halifax" series - Victorian and Edwardian portraits created by Halifax photographic studios. This couple visited the studio of E Greaves on Silver Street, Halifax towards the end of the nineteenth century to have their likeness captured, and what a stunning likeness it is. This is the Victorian equivalent … Continue reading Faces Of Halifax
The Delivery
This photo comes from one of the piles of photographs of unknown origin which are gradually taking over my room: my Found Photographs. It shows a man with a horse and cart delivering what I assume is milk. I have no idea where or when it was taken, but that doesn't matter; it is life … Continue reading The Delivery
A Portrait Of Lena
Dear Lucy, Just a card to wish you many happy returns of the day. I had not got a proper birthday card so I thought perhaps you would like this as well. It is not a very good one but you can see who it is. I remain yours sincerely, Lena Bush.
It’s Snowing In Andermatt
At last, the snow and ice are becoming a memory. The snow in today's photo is a memory from 100 years ago. I've no idea who these two are, but the photo is captioned "Andermatt, Switzerland". It's a joyous image - despite the snow.
Enjoy The Music
A family sat outside a cottage relaxing and listening to music streaming from a wind-up gramophone. It's a classic "found photo" - dripping with detail and asking more questions than any government census form. We'll never get answers, but that doesn't matter: sit back and enjoy the music.
Life Preservers
I can never get over the ability of old photographs to capture and preserve life. This photo was probably taken during World War II. I have no idea who the subject was, but that doesn't matter. That moment of introspection, that moment when the wind caught her hair, will live as long as images are … Continue reading Life Preservers
alanburnett.com 