Christine’s Story

No two picture restoration projects are the same but Christine’s was unique in its own way.

Some years before, she had a received a greetings card showing a photograph of a beautiful forest scene and these words: 'Use what talent you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best' (words attributed to Henry van Dyke, an American author and clergyman).

The card and its greeting had meant a lot to Christine: “I felt this quote was speaking directly to me”. So she framed the card and placed it where she would see it and be encouraged by its message. “But I had unfortunately displayed the picture in direct sunlight and the whole photograph had turned blue.”

Colour images are particularly vulnerable to light, with dyes fading at different speeds (see 'The story and science behind your picture'). However, all was not lost, because in situations where colours either never existed or have disappeared completely and therefore cannot be restored, it is possible to paint them in – a process known as colourising. The restorer becomes an artist, using "artists’ licence" to choose colours and tones that in their opinion best fit the scene.

Christine was delighted with what was achieved with her picture: “Your colour restoration pictures are truly wonderful! Your talents should be advertised in special magazines, like Country Life. I was babysitting on Thursday evening and have left your details with the parents; I shall be singing your praises wherever I go. You have such a talent and dedication that more people should know about you!”

And later: “The restored picture is on my piano and nowhere near the sun so all the colours are just as you made them. Thank you so much.”

If you have a treasured old photograph, contact Restoring Glory today to start out on your own amazing journey.