On the floor of my study, as I prepare for removal day, I noticed two brick shaped packages wrapped in brown paper. Surprisingly heavy, I unwrapped them and found two or three dozen glass plate negatives. Holding them, each in turn, to the light, I was amazed by the quality of what I saw. I share some samples with you in advance of my doing some research into them. I think you will agree that they are a bit special.
The Game Keeper
A number of the slides depict not only members of a well-to-do family on their country estate, but also the workers, beaters and, here, the game keeper. Click on the image to enlarge it and then ask yourself the question, why is there a spoon tied to a stick resting against the saddle of his bicycle? Is that a sack of grain on the ground and why would he need to reach the feeding place with a spoon? Even worse, does the sack contain rat poison? Shudder!
Who is this?
The car is extraordinary and so is the occupant, by today's standards! Could she be the District Nurse or Midwife - she looks too mature to be a bride and driving yourself to your own wedding would have been a bit daring at that time. And why the floral decoration - was it a holiday or a jubilee occasion that involved a procession? I don't know - what do you think?
The Age of Steam
A passenger train somewhere in Britain - early 1900s. The engine number is visible on the front - No. 454. Any train enthusiasts have any ideas?
Industrial Heritage
This is some sort of industrial works. Note the winding wheel behind the chimney. I wonder where or what it is.
