In Series 3 Episode 5 Sarah Beeny discovers many odd antiques and family heirlooms that have been passed down through generations and decides that the best way to use these findings in their new home is to transform their downstairs cloakroom into a Victorian cupboard of curiosities. That’s where Photographs Forever came in and we were asked to restore some of the deteriorating precious family photographs.
Here’s one as we received it, together with the restored version and below as it appeared actually in situ in the cloakroom.
New Life in the Country is a Channel 4 documentary series starring property expert and TV presenter Sarah Beeny and her family. The show follows Beeny, her husband Graham Swift, and their four sons as they embark on an ambitious project to build a sustainable new home and start a new chapter in the Somerset countryside.
The series documents the Beeny family’s move from London to rural Somerset, where they take on the challenge of building a modern, eco-friendly home on 220 acres of farmland. It captures the highs and lows of creating a new life in the countryside, from construction challenges to the family’s adaptation to a different lifestyle.
The show is a mix of property development, family life, and lifestyle change. It highlights themes of sustainability, self-sufficiency, and the rewards and difficulties of significant life changes.
Throughout the episodes, viewers see various stages of the home’s construction, interior design decisions, and landscaping projects. The show also delves into the family’s day-to-day life, interactions with the local community, and adjustments to country living.
The series has been well-received for its genuine depiction of family life and the beauty of the English countryside. Viewers appreciate Sarah Beeny’s relatable approach and openness about the challenges they face.
Sarah Beeny and Graham Swift’s project reflects their long-held dream of raising their children closer to nature and living a more grounded lifestyle. The documentary provides insights into the balancing act between professional ambition and family priorities.
Overall, New Life in the Country offers an engaging mix of home-building inspiration, personal storytelling, and picturesque rural life that appeals to fans of property shows and lifestyle documentaries.
BBC Morning Live asked Photographs Forever to appear in their Remembrance Day broadcast.
CLICK HERE to see our founder Richard discussing the importance of restoring your photographs. Watch to see our customer Nigel’s reaction to seeing his grandfather’s photo in full colour for the first time.
Here are some more good reasons to get those precious photographs restored:
Preserve Irreplaceable Memories: Old photographs often hold priceless memories of loved ones and significant moments. Restoring them ensures these special memories are kept alive and passed down through generations.
Protect Against Further Damage: Time can be harsh on photographs, causing fading, tears, and discoloration. Restoring them now helps prevent further deterioration and protects them for the future.
Reconnect with Your Family’s Story: Restored photos help keep family history vivid and relatable. They bring stories to life and make it easier for younger generations to connect with their heritage.
Celebrate and Share Special Moments: Bringing photos back to their original glory lets you display them proudly in your home or create gifts that can be shared with family and friends.
Create Lasting Legacies: Restoring and identifying people in your photos ensures that stories and names don’t get lost over time. It’s a beautiful way to honor the past and keep loved ones’ legacies alive.
Enhance Visual Quality: Restoration can bring out details that were previously hard to see, adding clarity and depth to treasured images and allowing you to appreciate them in their full beauty.
Digital Safeguards: Restored photos can be digitized, making it easier to store, share, and back them up so they’re safe from accidents or damage to physical prints.
We quite often are asked to date photographs that we receive.
This is a specialist skill and the person to talk to is Jayne Shrimpton.
Jayne Shrimpton offers a professional service dating and interpreting photographs and artworks for family historians; local history and genealogy groups; historical and art institutions and TV production companies. Jayne’s formal visual training and experience of working across all artistic and photographic media, combined with her extensive fashion history knowledge, has given her a unique skillset, ideal for successfully interpreting historical images. After decades of advising family and local historians and academic researchers, she understands the importance of time and place and can explain each photograph, painting, drawing and silhouette, revealing its historical context.
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.”
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 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.
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.
Do you ever have difficulty thinking of a gift for someone special? A gift they will truly appreciate?
Our bespoke, premium quality photobooks are the perfect gift that your family and friends will love – one that is bound to give lasting pleasure.
A PHOTOBOOK IS AN IDEAL GIFT FOR….
Christmas
Birthday
Wedding Anniversary
Special Occasion
Photographs really are one of the very few things that are both precious and truly irreplaceable. We usually store them away in a cupboard, drawer or the attic and never look at or appreciate them as often as we should.
A collection of your favourite photographs, beautifully presented in one of our high quality lay-flat photobooks makes looking at them a pleasure every time.
As well as considering old family photographs, don’t forget that you probably have thousands of photographs on your mobile phone that may never see the light of day!
Choose the best ones and fully enjoy them in a photobook.
We can help you at every stage of the process, including scanning and collating your photographs, optimising them to reduce fading and correct the colours, putting the photobook together with titles and captions and even sending you an online virtual proof of the book, for you to approve before it’s printed.
Ournew lay-flat VIP photobook offers a truly professional finish. The photographs in it are photographically printed on heavy weight 440gsm photographic lustre paper and then sewn bound for added permanence. The outer cover can also be printed. This is a substantial book that is far superior to many other photobooks you may have seen.
The seamless lay-flat albums use a unique stitched binding which allows for the continuous flow of images over a spread, with no central image loss. See further details HERE
Take the first step now! It’s so easy to proceed in simple steps.
This is a testimonial we received as a result of a photobook we produced recently:
“We had the idea of a family history photobook and turned to Photographs Forever for help and advice. Over the last year we have worked with Richard and his daughter Amy to restore and edit around 175 photographs and create an illustrated family history. The photo restoration work was never in doubt but what really struck us this time was the quality of the design and layout of the album, combining very old sepia toned photos with modern, colour digital prints together with a significant amount of explanatory text. One friend described the finished product as “a work of art” and the whole family is mightily impressed. We now have a wonderful photographic record for posterity and are very grateful to Richard and team for making this possible and for the never-ending patience throughout the project – Many thanks Richard”
Graham J.
We have just started advertising Photographs Forever on Radio Caroline to increase the awareness of the importance of preserving our memories with photographs.
Like me, I’m sure many people remember the heyday of the pirate radio stations in the mid 60’s and the way they revolutionised popular music by playing and plugging singles all day every day as there was very little pop music on the BBC at the time. BBC were then forced in 1967 to create a new pop music station which became Radio 1.
A month or so ago the family were holidaying overlooking the Blackwater Estuary in Essex and noticed a stationary red ship which I soon realised was Radio Caroline. I was intrigued to listen to the station and found I liked much of the music played and decided that if I enjoyed it then maybe so would other people of a similar age (and younger of course).
Radio Caroline is now a 24/7 album station featuring music from across the decades up to and including new music.
Broadcasting on 648 AM, on DAB and around the world online at radiocaroline.co.uk
You can listen to the Photographs Forever advertisement below
There is also the Caroline Flashback station which concentrates on playing pop singles from the 60’s and 70’s. Lots of the songs played are ones we remember but not always the same oldies so often played on other oldie stations.
Click on the links above and take a listen to the Caroline stations.
Here are compelling reasons why you should tune into Radio Caroline Flashback:
Nostalgic Music Selection: The station plays a rich mix of classic hits from the 1960s, 1970s, and beyond, taking listeners on a trip down memory lane and bringing back the soundtracks of their youth.
Authentic Retro Experience: Radio Caroline Flashback maintains the spirit and legacy of the original Radio Caroline, which was iconic for its role in the 1960s pirate radio movement. It recaptures that rebellious, free-spirited essence.
Unique Radio Heritage: Tuning in supports and celebrates a piece of broadcasting history, as Radio Caroline is known for pioneering the concept of independent radio in the UK.
Community Connection: Listening provides a shared experience with others who appreciate the golden era of music, fostering a sense of community among like-minded fans.
Ad-Free and Non-Commercial: The station prioritizes the music without commercial interruptions, offering a refreshing and relaxing listening experience AND NO NEWS!
High-Quality Broadcasts: Radio Caroline Flashback provides crystal-clear sound quality, allowing older classics to be enjoyed in their full, rich audio detail.
A Break from Modern Trends: It offers a respite from the fast-paced, modern music trends, providing a comforting and familiar alternative that resonates with older tastes.
Musical Variety: The station features an extensive playlist that highlights not just the biggest hits but also hidden gems from past decades, catering to varied tastes and deepening the appreciation of vintage music.
Timeless DJs and Hosts: The station may include presenters who have been part of the radio industry for decades, bringing their knowledge, personal stories, and passion for music to the forefront.
Accessible and Easy to Use: Radio Caroline Flashback is accessible online and through various radio platforms, making it easy to tune in from anywhere with minimal technical hassle.
Keeps Memories Alive: For many older listeners, the music played on Radio Caroline Flashback can spark memories of special moments in their lives, from first dances and concerts to road trips and social gatherings.
Promotes Well-Being: Music from one’s past can evoke positive emotions, improve mood, and even promote cognitive function, offering mental health benefits.
Cultural Relevance: Listening helps maintain a connection with cultural history and keeps alive the legacy of a revolutionary era in music and broadcasting.
Radio Caroline Flashback isn’t just a station; it’s an experience that preserves and celebrates the sounds and spirit of past decades for those who lived through them and wish to relive their cherished memories.
Due to the increasing demand I am receiving for photograph restoration, I’d like to keep you informed of some changes I’ve introduced within the company to make sure we can stay as efficient as possible.
My daughter Amy (Haines) has now joined Photographs Forever. She has been helping me part-time over the last 7 years and, having recently finished her degree at university, is now working with me full-time. Amy (Lees) has moved into a new role and Selina (Payandee) is now my Administration Assistant.
Amy Haines
Selina Payandee
Introducing our professional framing service to complement and further enhance your restored photographs has proved to be very popular with my customers. This means we are able to offer a complete service, transforming your damaged and fading photographs into to a high quality framed photograph you will truly enjoy forever. Here is the link to more details and the advantages of our frames.
Our photobooks are also increasing in popularity and another great way to enjoy your favourite photographs by printing them in a book that will not fade or deteriorate. The photobooks we provide are good value and much higher quality and specification than those ordinarily found in the high street. Here is the link to more details of our photobooks with a step by step guide to help you to organise your photographs and make your photobook a reality.
Here is a photobook we completed recently which duplicated an existing album that was lovingly put together just after World War 2. The new photobook is virtually twice the size of the original and is now in a form that will literally last forever and can be handed down through generations to preserve precious family history.
If you would like any more details, information or advice in relation to your photographs or how I can help please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. I look forward to hearing from you.
