Hidden Treasures 2

Well, I have just completed the seemingly endless task of scanning the glass plate negatives. I underestimated the total - around 50. I also found some film negatives as well from which I will also draw for future posts. But, for now, here is a another selection of images.

Taking a Dip
This photo shows a really informal side to Edwardian life. Judging by the series of photographs scanned today, this is the Lady of the House. She has encouraged her dog to leap in the lake, but is still in charge. Note her extended hand which is encouraging the small lapdog in the grass to stay where it is. Mind you, lapdogs don't normally go swimming!

Bid for Freedom
This is surreal. Here, young cadets at a nautical college are learning to sail a dingy in a water tank. I imagine the hull is fixed, but the sails and sheets can be handled as one would at sea. Quite remarkable!

What line of Work are they in?
Not sure what these chaps do, but there are confusing clues around them. A pile of stones in front and horseshoes on the building behind. From what I can remember about horseshoe folklore, you are supposed to hang them with the open end upwards. This is so the shoe can catch the good luck falling to earth. The other way round lets the good luck out!

He knows his Place
Having seen some of family groups, I think the Landowner is on the right and one of the gamekeepers to the left. I wonder if they are just setting out to shoot a bird or two. Note the impressive leather gaiters.

Doggy Day

I recently found a small number of interesting dog postcards and photographs at a bric-a-brac fair. A couple repulsed me, another made me sad while the last one cheered me up.

Hunting Dogs

Part of a collection of Hunting Dog postcards purchased and posted in Paris in 1902 (but not by me!). The recipient was Mme. H V J in Athens. I don't find them particularly nice, but I guess others will admire them?

The Pathetic Mourner

Caesar, the faithful companion of King Edward VII. The card describes him as a pathetic mourner at the King's funeral. I seem to remember seeing postcards of him walking with the funeral courtege at the State Funeral of the King.

Death and Dogs

This delightful Raphael Tuck art card depicts a puppy with very appealing eyse. The spidery scrawl on the front contains a sentence that stands out. "Did you see that RH Blake was accidentally killed in South Africa? Isn't it sad?" I wonder who he was?

An Inventor?

I love this photograph of a man and his bicycle. Note the Jack Russell terrier seems to be sitting in a specially designed dog carrier. Fascinating!

Dog Von Stroheim

Now, here is unusual postcard. It shows a cartoon dog operating an early movie camera. On the reverse, someone has written the enigmatic message - "Good times are coming - X" On the front is written - "Keep Smiling". I will, I will!