Photo Detective at Brent Museum & Archives

On Saturday afternoon we were delighted to welcome author and dress historian Jayne Shrimpton to the Special Exhibitions Gallery at Willesden Green Library Centre to give a talk on analyzing old family photos, followed by a “drop in” photo dating session.

Thank you to all of you who came and for your overwhelmingly positive feedback! The talk was indeed beautifully illustrated with Carte de Visite and cabinet card photographs. Our eyes were opened to the wealth of information these keepsakes can reveal from sad tales of infant mortality, to well-disguised marriage photos and even clues as to where our ancestors took their holidays.

Some of the most charming photos were those taken to mark coming of age – like “breeching” or the young woman with her hair neatly tied in a bun, wearing a bar broach which (Jayne says) is still treasured by the family.

Jayne’s enthusiasm for the changing fashions was infectious and it was particularly entertaining to see the rise and fall of the bustle and the ever inflating “leg of mutton” sleeves!

Please let us know if you have ideas for other events, when you think we should schedule them and how we should let you know about them.

For further information about Jayne Shrimpton and her photo dating and analysis service please visit www.jayneshrimpton.co.uk.

Posted by Rachel