World Record Shortlist: Old School
Diane Fellows, 50, from Telford in Shropshire submitted an old school photo from days spent at Beeches Road School in Blackheath. Diane was born in Dudley and still feels a special affinity to her Black Country roots.
Diane says:
“This photo was taken when I was a primary school at Beeches Road in Blackheath, I must have been about six or seven years old. I am now fifty and live in Shropshire with my husband of twenty years. Although, I don’t live in the Black Country now, I am certainly a Black Country lass at heart. I love photography and thanks to my son, who bought me a digital pro suite for Christmas, I have been able to restore and airbrush many old photos including this one. What I love most about the photo is that is reminds me of the calm and happy days of my childhood. My Father worked in the rolling mills of Whiteheath when the Black Country was very industrial; I now work at the Ironbridge museum in Shropshire and have a very keen interest in history, particularly local history.”
Artist Helen Marshall says:
“I was struck by this face whilst looking for photographs that represented people. The colours are so distinctive and have a lost quality rarely seen in contemporary photographs that are more ‘true to life’.”
Big Picture Project Manager, Kerry Endsor, says:
“The aim of The Big Picture was to encourage as many different people from all ages and interests to get involved, to help create a detailed piece of social history that offers an insight into the lives and loves of local residents, creating a true picture of the region that will be there to enjoy for generations to come. The picture of Diane’s is a great example of how old photos can be lovingly restored to their former glory.”
What do you say? What does the photo make you think or feel, is it your favourite? Leave your comments here:
July 21st, 2008 at 19:19 pm
My favourite - but will it still be in copyright?
July 27th, 2008 at 4:26 am
This cute little girl would look fantastic up on a big board for the whole country to see. I wish her all the best.
Love
Mrs Cobber
from Downunder (Australia)
July 28th, 2008 at 10:42 am
this photo has a surreal quality that’s only found in old photos, strange to see such a photo in colour, which makes it unique
July 28th, 2008 at 17:38 pm
The little girl’s my mom and I hope she wins!!
July 29th, 2008 at 9:13 am
It’s those eyes they almost “haunt” you - such expression!
July 29th, 2008 at 11:22 am
I think it’s a battle between the old and the new i.e. the mobile phone shot and the old school photo
July 30th, 2008 at 16:06 pm
I agree with the other person, the girl in the photo isn’t particularly cute. But those eyes…they seem to grab you somehow
July 31st, 2008 at 18:21 pm
I am a relative of the little girl. I agree it is a beautiful picture and it deserves to win a place on the mosaic, I feel that it captures an innocence that is sadly missing today.
August 1st, 2008 at 8:59 am
uniforms, black pumps, navy blue knickers, satchels, school meals that smelt of cabbage, good mates, good times, safer times. oh how this photo brings it all back to me. this photo should win by virtue of the fact it evokes such feeling.
August 1st, 2008 at 9:47 am
The eyes…… it’s true they are haunting. Even now at 50 years of age they still have that same depth. Sometimes when I walk past a mirror quickly I will see those very same eyes. I’m proud to say this little girl is my Mom.
Since having the photo suite as a gift there is no picture that can’t be restored and Mom has the natural ability and eye not to overdo her efforts. This photo speaks volumes…..
August 2nd, 2008 at 14:17 pm
sssssshhhhhhhh keep it under your hat! we are Diane’s parents and have bought her some blue ribbon for the 23rd! (our son allowed us to use his computer address for this because we don’t know how to use computers)
August 3rd, 2008 at 17:24 pm
this is a very simple photo, with simple lines and “uncomplicated” colours, nonetheless, as if by some enigma the photo draws you to it.
August 5th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Being from the Black Country (Lower Gornal) I have to support it and having read the bio to this photo I find it very like my own childhood. It’s great that she can restore her own photos. I paid a lot of money to have some of my mother’s old photos done.
August 6th, 2008 at 14:35 pm
Viva la Black Country! We’re now on the map (well according to the OS & Midlands Today we are) and it would be great if this photo put the Black Country in the picture too!!!!!!!
August 8th, 2008 at 14:19 pm
simply…this pic is my fav and would look the nicest in the mosiac.
P.S I’m from the Black Country too
August 12th, 2008 at 9:19 am
call me biased…but i have to support the black country. some relatives of mine (used to) live just outside blackheath in rowley regis. i live in brum now and hope this pic wins
August 13th, 2008 at 16:29 pm
You can’t decide whether or not that the child in this picture has an anglic or devish grin - the eyes give little away
August 15th, 2008 at 16:22 pm
i personally like this photograph best and think it would fantastic on a large scale
August 16th, 2008 at 16:45 pm
I have been out and bought a new dress and accessories for the unveiling next week (well that’s my excuse & I’m sticking to it!) Can I wish Stephen, Liz, April, Lucy, Lydia, Graham & Nicola good luck for next week and I will be overjoyed NO matter who wins!
August 21st, 2008 at 14:12 pm
I know my comment won’t count cos Diane is me good mate. Nonetheless I still wanna wish her all the best for the competition. I also wanted to say that Diane is From Telford and I’m hoping that we win.
Marie (Telford, Shropshire)