Discovering a lost ‘treasure trove’

The October meeting of the Alston Moor Historical Society revealed a recent case of discovering a lost ‘treasure trove’ and the way in which it has been restored and made available to the public. The speaker was John Moreels of the art materials and photographic dealers, Ward Philipson, based on Tyneside. The story has its roots in the early days of etching, printing and photography and goes back to the days when Thomas Bewick was producing his masterpieces.

The first piece of the jigsaw dates back to 1845 when the family business of Wards was formed. They are best remembered for the production of Wards Directory of Newcastle upon Tyne, commencing 1850, and then, in 1853, they produced the first half penny newspaper in the United Kingdom. Thomas Bewick’s son worked with them at the premises in Amen Corner, Newcastle and they built up a reputation as high quality printers. In due course they had outlets throughout the north, including a shop in Carlisle, although this was closed some years ago.

The second piece is the formation of another company, Philipsons, established in 1923. This company was one of the earliest photographers, film processors and engravers in England and, although based in Newcastle, quickly established a nationwide reputation.

However, in the late 1990s both companies felt the impact of the increasingly difficult financial climate and were merged into one company, Ward Philipson, by John Moreels. This prompted an exciting discovery of immense importance and significance which must have been difficult to believe who stumbled across the find. The newly formed company owned premises in Blandford Square, Newcastle and in 1997 the new management, whilst examining the building, discovered literally hundreds of cardboard and metal boxes stored in a very dusty and dirty attic area – and in some disarray. Closer examination revealed that the boxes contained a treasure trove of glass plates and slides. The very first picture that Mr. Moreels took from the first box to be opened was an attractive portrait of a very young girl and he has used this on the front cover of his first published collection of images. It has been estimated that there are 200,000 items and the logistical problems of examining and assessing them was obviously a monumental task. Help was obtained in the research, particularly from the Beamish Museum, but there is still much to be done. Up to 50% of the slides were broken but many were capable of repair using modern computer technologies.

The subject matter covers all aspects of life dating back to at least 1870 and includes photographs of earlier etchings, providing a fascinating insight and historical record of social, economic and natural history. Mr Moreels gave a slide presentation of a sample of the reclaimed photographs and it was fascinating seeing the images of recent history. The pictures of children in their poverty-stricken, often shoe-less circumstances, were particularly emotive. Members of the audience were able to identify with many of the locations which covered various parts of Northumberland and Durham, particularly Newcastle. It begs the question of what might have happened to the slides had the property been taken over by someone who did not realise the importance of the ‘junk’ in the attic!

Mr Moreels reminded us that photographs do not necessarily depict the truth. Modern computer technology enables photographs to be ‘doctored’ and he demonstrated that photographs of etchings can also be unreliable and that artistic licence by the engraver can often distort reality, eg. making buildings taller, streets narrower or wider, adding a non-existent feature, etc.

The collection is used as a photographic source library throughout the Britain and, by virtue of its unique nature has acquired an international reputation, resulting in images being sent to many overseas countries.

Undoubtedly a lot more photographs will be discovered in the future as the mammoth task of recovery and restoration continues. The Society will be asking Mr. Moreel to make a return visit when he has unearthed new material. Books of photographs and individual plates were made available for sale at discounted prices – and offer which the members accepted with enthusiasm.

OUTING TO PENRITH MUSEUM

 The Society has arranged an outing to Penrith Museum on the evening of 20 th October and anyone, member or otherwise, who has not already enrolled to join should contact Richard Turner on 01434 381353.

NEXT MEETING

 At the next meeting of the Society at 7-30 on November the 2 nd in the Masonic Hall, Alston, local ornithologist and Society member, Colin Simms, will give a talk entitled ‘Changes on the Air’, reflecting the way nature and wildlife in the North Pennines has changed over the years. Anyone interested will be most welcome.