Have you ever moved into an old house? I've only done it twice in my life having spent most of my adult life in (once) oh so easy to buy new builds. The first time I was a teenager. It was brilliant. Musty old rooms and, best of all, two sheds. It was so exciting, mooching around, seeing what treasure I could find: old tins, tools and enamel advertising signs (the house used to be a shop). Foraging is in my blood.
It wasn't until we moved to NI (just a few years ago now) that I felt the thrill of opening up an ancient loft hatch again. After we bought our current house, built in 1950 with just one careful owner, I couldn't wait to get up there.
That's where I found the old wooden box I use for a backdrop for most Ace Jet photos and in it was a miscellany: drawing equipment, dressmaking paraphernalia and, best of all, a cardboard box full of old, discarded photos.
Clearly the rejects; the wonky ones; badly exposed, poorly composed and sometimes wonderfully dull; their imperfections are brilliant, beautiful even.
Wow! What incredible finds! It's very Amelie-esque too! I hope one day I can discover someone's old treasures.
Anne
Posted by: Prêt à Voyager | 03 December 2007 at 03:57 PM
Great creative opportunity there for someone to take those and turn them into a story.
Reminds me of a large biscuit tin that my Grandmother used to keep with a huge stack of photos of the family.
Posted by: Graham G | 03 December 2007 at 04:13 PM
Fabulous, Richard. And 'Loft and Found' is brilliant. I assume you know www.foundmagazine.com? These should be up there.
Posted by: Mike Reed | 04 December 2007 at 08:27 PM
ooooo they're gooood! I love the one with the bicycles, it feels a bit sinister. The rejects are always the best I think, even if it's a bit of a dull picture some developing weirdness can give it great character. And obviously they weren't bad enough to just throw away, just not good enough to make it into the album. Have you had a mooch through my Sandwich Tin (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vickispics/sets/72157600090520821/) before? I will be scouring more car boot sales and musty shops in the future to add to it I think. I keep meaning to 'turn them into' something, but can't decide what. They feel too precious.
Posted by: Vicki Brown | 05 December 2007 at 02:46 PM
Hi Vicki,
Oh, it was you! I knew I'd seen some old photos on someone's blog months ago, must have been you. It was partly that that made we want to get these online; I should have credited you. I love the two big ones here, they're so "dull". Brilliant! But then, that woman on a hill, standing at that slight angle is really spooky.
I've actually got a load more to upload when I get the time.
Posted by: Richard | 05 December 2007 at 04:50 PM
Beautiful haunting collection.
Posted by: Jeska | 06 December 2007 at 06:49 PM
Beautiful haunting collection.
Posted by: Jeska | 06 December 2007 at 06:50 PM
Please do put more of these up. There is a certain feeling you get when you open a packet of unknown old photos, especially discarded ones - a little guilt, a little expectation, a little...something else. Also, thanks for the link. The Worst of Perth is proving unexpectedly popular. There are a few font and kerning faux pas that your readers may find amusing.
Posted by: The Worst of Perth | 12 December 2007 at 12:31 PM
A seriously amazing find. Sometimes the wonkiest are the most stunning.
Posted by: sulu-design | 14 December 2007 at 01:14 AM