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Archive for NEWS – Page 2

DJ David Hamilton’s Autobiography – The Long And Winding Road

We recently helped David by restoring two fading 1970s photographs of him, one for the front cover of his forthcoming autobiography.

David says:

“Due out in July/August is my autobiography, David Hamilton’s Long And Winding Road, My life, loves and lessons learned, published by Austin Macauley and celebrating my 65th year in broadcasting.

Choosing the right pictures for the front cover is vital and the publishers wanted a Then and Now, a shot of me in my Radio 1 days in the 70`s and one in my Boom Radio studio today.

I had in a frame at home a picture in the Radio 1 studio taken in 1975 that had faded, probably from sunlight.   It needed enhancing.   I had heard of Photographs Forever through their advertising on Boom Radio.   Since I live in West Sussex it wasn’t too long a journey to pay them a visit.

Richard was absolutely brilliant, worked his magic on the photo and here it is, looking as good as new.   Well done, Photographs Forever and Thank You.”

Norman Wisdom Memorabilia Exhibit

We recently restored several images of Norman Wisdom for his son Nick. These were to form part of an exhibition that Nick is mounting.

We restored these two photographs so they could be printed the appropriate size for the framed exhibit of Norman’s suit dating back to 1952.

Nick says:

“As the Norman Wisdom Exhibition reaches its capacity of circa eighty frames, it’s fair to say that the best has been saved to last. A five foot high frame (below) features Norman’s long tailed suit first worn in the theatre in 1952. As ever, thanks must go to the experts who I have come to rely on. Gerald Fleuss, master calligrapher and Richard Haines of Photographs Forever who can resurrect and adapt any form of photography to great effect.”

Reigate & Banstead Mayors Have Been Restored!

We were asked by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council to restore 49 faded framed portraits of their Mayors going back many years. This involved removing the existing photographs from their frames, scanning and digitally restoring each one as well as reintroducing all the red and gold elements of many.  Here is just one of the worse ones showing before and after our restoration.

Photographs Forever Before and After

When all 49 were fully restored we printed them all on archive grade paper (so the fading will no longer be an issue going forward) and replaced them in their original frames.  Here they are safely reinstalled and being regularly enjoyed by all visitors the the Town Hall.

Photographs Forever

April 2024 – 20% off Digital Colourisation

For this month only (April 2024) we are offering a 20% discount on digital colourisation.

We all understand the power a photograph can have to transport us back to moments filled with laughter, love, and nostalgia, and whilst black & white photos are fantastic, sometimes a vibrant colour photograph can make all the difference.

Photographs Forever Colourisation Example

 

Photograph Restoration Colourisation Example

 

Boom Radio Launches Boom Rock Radio Station

Photographs Forever Book Rock

Boom Radio has increased its number of listeners hugely since Radio 2 changed its presenters and playlist. Boom Radio has now been broadcasting for over 2 years and has since introduced two more stations to the Boom family. Initially Boom Light and in the last couple of weeks Boom Rock. Again it’s featuring music from the 60s, 70s and 80s but with a more of a rock playlist. Boom catchphrases are ‘Music for our generation’ and ‘Every song is a surprise’ which pretty well sums Boom up – no longer the same tired old playlists of many other existing stations.

Give Boom Radio a try, if you haven’t already. Photographs Forever will be running a few advertisements on Boom Rock in the coming weeks to encourage our generation to make the most of their photographs!

HERE IS THE LINK

Re-Enacted Scene From Years Gone By

Photograph Colourisation Example

Initially, Keith asked us to restore the picture of him and his sister in Trafalgar Square when they were children. A few months later he came back to us with a re-enacted picture of the two of them taken recently that they wanted to gift to their mum, and we helped to get it looking as close to the original as possible.

 

Luca Joins The Photographs Forever Team

We are very pleased to let you know that Luca Quasimodo has joined Photographs Forever on a full-time basis. He will be creating our photobooks as well as carrying out many other duties so that we can be as efficient with customer photographs and photograph restoration.  Luca has been working for us part time until now. He has a Design Degree from Brighton University.
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A Heartwarming 60th Wedding Anniversary Story in Photographs

This photograph was taken on 3rd of February 1962, when Colin and Jan were just 21 and 19 years old. As soon as we saw the photo we were instantly struck by how heart-warming it was, their faces a perfect picture of happiness!

Since 1962 Colin and Jan went on to have four children and four grand-children, and it was their grand-daughter Emily who contacted us in January as she hoped to give her grandparents a restored version of their precious photograph for their 60th wedding anniversary.

Jan says  “We got married at the church that was once part of Hanworth Palace owned by Henry VIII. I walked through the door on the arm of my dad and felt part of the history of it all. Hiring the Daimler on the day of our wedding was a luxury I had not known before. The car arrived to take us the short distance to the reception. It was such a happy day I don’t think we noticed the cold February weather.”

Emily tells us that her great-grandfather (Jan’s dad) was the gardener at Hanworth Palace, and when her granddad Colin first visited her Nan, who lived in the grounds, he mistakenly thought he had struck gold, believing Jan’s family owned the estate!

On 3rd February 2022, Emily presented her grandparents with the photograph that we had restored and framed and kindly sent us these photographs of their reaction…

Photographs Forever and Boom Radio

Photographs Forever has recently had some mentions on Boom Radio. Boom is a new radio station which I found a couple of months ago and am really enjoying. There are many presenters we know from other radio stations like Bob Harris and David Hamilton and the music played is just the music that we like (if you were around in the sixties, seventies and eighties).
Nothing like a bit of nostalgia!

Boom represents the spirit of a generation. A UK radio station targeting baby boomers – now aged in their late 50s, 60s and 70s. – who still feel young and seize every opportunity life offers.The presenters they grew up with play the songs with which they share a deep emotional connection.  Radio enjoys a special place in people’s lives – and Boomers love it, with 93% of us tuning in. I really recommend it so take a listen.


Here are a few of the presenters that have mentioned Photographs Forever with the sound clips

DAVID LLOYD

 

After almost retiring, Boom Radio was the dream of David Lloyd. He began in commercial radio in Nottingham as a teenager, fulfilling a dream he’d nurtured since appearing on BBC local radio reading a poem aged 6. He rose through the ranks to manage radio stations in Leicester, Lincoln, Leeds, Birmingham and LBC and Virgin in London – departing only for a brief sojourn in media regulation  – and he’s passionate about the project.


NICKY HORNE

 

 

For a generation, his was the daring voice on Capital Radio, as the host of ‘Your Mother Wouldn’t Like it’. Nicky was also heard on Virgin and the BBC.  Now, surrounded by his own record collection, he broadcasts daily from his lair 4-6 weekdays, playing a wide selection of music, including some treasured album tracks.


‘TWIGGY’ ROGER DAY

Radio has been Roger Day’s life. ‘Your Thinner Record Spinner’ was born in Cheltenham, and began his career in offshore pirate radio, firstly on Swinging Radio England before transferring to Caroline. As the pirate stations were banned, he spent a short stint at Radio Luxembourg before famously compering a Beach Boys Tour – before a dramatic spell at Radio Northsea International. Back on land, he was the first presenter as Piccadilly Radio launched in Manchester and, more recently he’s been heard regularly on BBC local radio. At Boom, he says he’s come home – and he’s having the most fun he’s had since the 70s.


Boom Radio resonates with the older generation for several reasons, offering a unique listening experience that appeals to their tastes and values. Here’s why it’s so beloved:

Nostalgic Music Playlist

Golden Oldies: Boom Radio specializes in playing songs from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s—eras that hold special significance for older listeners who grew up during those times.

Timeless Classics: The station’s playlist is filled with hits that evoke fond memories, creating an emotional connection with its audience.

Familiar and Trusted Presenters

Experienced Hosts: Boom Radio features presenters who have been in the radio industry for decades, many of whom are well-known to the older generation. This familiarity creates a sense of comfort and trust.

Personal Stories and Warmth: The presenters often share personal anecdotes and stories from their own experiences, fostering a sense of shared history with their listeners.

A Relaxed, Unhurried Pace

Authentic Radio Experience: Unlike fast-paced, high-energy stations, Boom Radio provides a relaxed and thoughtful approach that matches the lifestyle of older listeners.

Engaging Conversations: The station takes time to engage in more meaningful conversations, rather than quick soundbites, which appeals to those who enjoy thoughtful, relatable content.

Tailored Content

Relevant Themes: The programming often features content relevant to older audiences, such as reminiscing about historical moments, discussing cultural shifts, or celebrating legendary musicians and events.

Interactive Segments: Boom Radio invites listener interaction through song requests, dedications, and calls, fostering a community feel.

An Escape from Modern Trends

Avoids Overly Commercialized Content: Boom Radio steers clear of the highly commercial, chart-focused music prevalent on other stations, offering a break from modern trends that may not resonate with older tastes.

Authentic and Personal: Listeners appreciate the station’s genuine, non-corporate feel, making it seem more personal and aligned with their values.

Inclusive and Community-Oriented

Belonging and Connection: The station’s programming is designed to make listeners feel part of a community, sharing in memories and enjoying a collective nostalgia.

Listener-Centric Approach: Boom Radio’s focus on its audience’s preferences creates a bond that makes listeners feel understood and appreciated.

Easy Access and User-Friendly

Simple to Tune In: Boom Radio is available on digital platforms, making it accessible to older listeners who may not have access to traditional FM radio.

Multi-Platform Availability: Whether on DAB, smart speakers, or online, Boom Radio ensures its audience can listen in the way that suits them best.

Uplifting and Familiar Content

Positive Vibes: The station maintains a cheerful and uplifting atmosphere that brings joy and energy to its listeners’ days.

Memory-Triggering Playlists: The songs often trigger memories of life’s milestones, family events, and the general past, adding a warm and emotional layer to the listening experience.

In essence, Boom Radio’s appeal lies in its ability to create a bridge to the past, offering music and content that reconnects listeners with the best times of their lives. Its authentic, listener-focused approach makes it a comforting, enjoyable, and emotionally enriching experience for the older generation.

Photographs Forever on BBC ONE Morning Live 9.15am 11 November

Yes, Photographs Forever was on BBC One TV, Morning Live at 9:15am on Thursday 11th November.

We were featured as part of a Remembrance Day programme where I discuss the importance of photograph restoration and we follow the restoration and colourisation of a sentimental army photograph from 1914 belonging to my customer Nigel. I then present the restored photograph to him for the first time, live on camera.  Nigel also explains the story behind this historical photograph and just how much the restored photograph means to him and his family.

Here is the link if you’d like to watch our segment of the programme.