To date, 851 of the 860 entries on chromasia were taken by me; this one, the ninth guest entry on chromasia, was taken by my father; a long time ago.
It's 1967, and this is my great-grandfather's house in Brinkman Street in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.
The lady in the bottom right of this shot is my great-grandmother, Grandma Green. From what I can remember, she died when I was around 14; i.e. 1977. I can't say that I remember a great deal about her other than that she always had a big jar of sweets in her cupboard that she would bring down when we went round.
The gentleman sat next to her is my great-grandfather, Grandad Green. He was a private in the Great War (world war one) and in 1918, or thereabouts, was given a full army pension and two years to live after a shell peppered his lungs with shrapnel. He was never especially healthy, but smoked a pipe all his life and lived until he was 84.
Next to my great-grandfather, in the bottom left of this shot, is my great-great-grandma Burton: grandma Green's mother. I don't remember all that much about her – she must have died not more than a year after this shot was taken – but I do remember visiting her house, not too many doors away from my great-grandparents.
In the top left of the shot is my grandmother, Grandma Mabel: great-grandma Green's daughter; great-great-grandma Taylor grand-daughter. She was 90 this year, and still lives in the house that her and my grandfather moved into when they married, well over 60 years ago. She's not quite as sprightly as she used to be, and she now finds her life-long passion of knitting quite difficult, but as best I can tell she hasn't changed much in the 43 years that I've known her.
Next to her is her husband, Granddad George. George was a miner for most of his life and only died a few years ago when he was well into his eighties. I visited him in hospital a few days before he died and told him that he looked a lot better. With a characteristic grin, and a smile in his voice, he said "do you really think so?". He knew better than me and died shortly afterwards.
Next in line is my sister, Andrea. At this point my parents only had the two of us – later there would be two more. She's now a GP (a family doctor) with three kids of her own.
She's being held by my mother (grandma Mabel's eldest) who died in 1991 at 50 years of age. She spent almost a year battling with two different but equally vicious cancers, and was far too young to die. We were all with her in the hospice when she died, and it's an experience that's etched in my memory, that's as vivid now as it was 15 years ago.
And next, there's me, probably about three of four at the time this was taken, probably wearing one of the many thousand of jumpers knitted by my grandmother during her illustrious knitting career.
And finally, my Uncle Jack, my mother's brother: now around 63 years of age.
So, why have I mentioned all this? I'm not sure, other than that I spent a good part of last week thinking that Libby might be next: that she might be about to be a part of my history rather than my future. And I guess the whole experience has been quite sobering.
Oh, and I should mention that it's her birthday today. I won't tell you how old she is, but she's going to be exactly the same age for a good number of years yet ;-)
Si: ok, so I didn't spell check this one. I've amended that typo too ;-)
comment byojorojo at 12:08 AM (GMT) on 14 May, 2006
Happy b'day Libby! Very nice family portrait, your father is also a good photographer. It is unusual to be able to photograph five generations of women in one family.
comment bylaanba at 01:04 AM (GMT) on 14 May, 2006
This is definitely a family treasure. I especially like how you are looking straight at the camera whereas your sister is distracted. You must have been captivated from an early age! :-)
Happy Birthday to your wife who I am sure has many many more years (at that magic number!)
I immediately thought that this image was sparked off by recent events.
Either that or you 'archive' really stretches back some.
An interesting potted history. Looks like photography runs in the family, well composed
comment byRobert Nowell at 05:05 AM (GMT) on 14 May, 2006
I've been visiting your blog daily for some time now. I am so glad for you that your wife is on the mend. This picture is a treasure!
My mother also died in 1977 after a brave battle with cancer.
I was 17 at the time. I know of what you speak.
I don't know you at all , but your photography gives me insight into
what you see and whats important to you . Your images inspire ,
but your family priorities , more so.
comment by tpm at 05:21 AM (GMT) on 14 May, 2006
What a lovely moment frozen in time. Thank you for sharing this.
Great Picture. It has the chromasia reflection in there as well. Plus, I love that wallpaper and your jumper.
Also, your sister is wearing my favouritr colour combination.
:-)
comment by Jouna at 07:33 AM (GMT) on 14 May, 2006
Habby Birthday Libby
I've always liked these kinds of family pics.
comment by Jennifer at 08:11 AM (GMT) on 14 May, 2006
Best wishes to Libby on her birthday. Lovely photo, reminds me so much of my dads photos of that era - print colour, clothes and that looks just like my mum - hair, glasses and the clothes - spooky!
PS just as I was typing this my daughter came in, saw the shot and said "are you setting up your own blog?" - she thought it was Grandma! LOL
im shoure that this is nostalgic shot for you but its kind of boring if i may say what i think, sorry but you can better then this :(
comment byCurlyToes at 10:11 AM (GMT) on 14 May, 2006
What a great piece of history. The quality is surprisingly good for such an old slide. Often old pictures of people no longer around make me realise how weird time is. Hope all your family is right as rain soon.
comment byAlbedo at 11:27 AM (GMT) on 14 May, 2006
Happy b'day Libby !
Cheers
comment by Jannine at 01:02 PM (GMT) on 14 May, 2006
This family photo is a treasure. Five generations of women! I notice how protectively your uncle is holding you - both hands, much love. Thank you for sharing this.
Interesting that you chose not to give any information on your dad??
I like the reflection in the mirror which john washington pointed out ;)
comment by Clark at 02:53 PM (GMT) on 14 May, 2006
Bruno: You know the meaning of "petty"? Please look it up.
It was clearly stated that this is NOT a picture by Dave, but by his father. The story behind the picture is at the top of this section, so please read before small-minded remarks like "you can do better". IMO, course.
comment by Paula at 03:20 PM (GMT) on 14 May, 2006
:)
happy birthday to libby.
i hope she is felling better.
and here in brazil it is mother's day. so please give her my congratulations. :)
just to say that i love your shots and the comments about them.
i love photography and i can say that your work is wonderful.
Happy birthday Libby. This is a lovely photo and reminds me of some of my history too. I spent a few years in Barnsley while I was studying so it brings back memories. Thanks Dave.
comment byKarl Baumann at 05:46 PM (GMT) on 14 May, 2006
This picture is saved for all times, and that´s good. Nice shot of your father. It seems that the predilection run in your family.
comment byDan Ebdon at 06:44 PM (GMT) on 14 May, 2006
What an emotive photograph, thank you for sharing it. It was useful to be able to read your interesting description.
comment bySysagent at 07:02 PM (GMT) on 14 May, 2006
Happy birthday to Libby and hope she is still continuing to recover well :)
Well for me this shot could really have done with a bit more concentration on the Levels with an inverted S Curve on the blue channel, also a nice bit of vignetting would have helped....
;-)
Great find and restore David, one to pass onto the younger photographers in the future of your family...
Thanks everyone, and Sysagent: I suspect you're right :-)
comment byobfuse at 01:26 AM (GMT) on 15 May, 2006
happy birthday to your wife!
i realy enjoyed this photo and the text.
best regards
comment by Lynn at 08:37 AM (GMT) on 15 May, 2006
How touching to hear the story of your family history and current condition of your wife. Happy Birthday Libby! Do not give up please...
Great picture.
comment bySteveO at 11:43 AM (GMT) on 15 May, 2006
What an extraordinary photograph. Thanks for sharing.
comment by Maxine at 02:49 PM (GMT) on 15 May, 2006
Happy health Bday Libby! Wish you all the happiness in the world!
Dave, this pic is something! Cannot wait to see YOU doing one like this one with all your family :)
A little slice of life; and vignette of the people who love us and who we love.
comment by Leela at 06:40 PM (GMT) on 15 May, 2006
860 enteries whooa I have a bit to go Im back about a year now and loveing your work! This site is my motivation for hitting my revision deadlines for my exams so I can come on here, seems to be working! :-)
comment by Little sister at 02:42 PM (GMT) on 16 May, 2006
Great great Grandma Burton will be spinning in her grave, calling her Taylor indeed. That makes us all inbred ;-)
comment byLee Oades at 11:51 AM (GMT) on 18 May, 2006
Hi Dave,
I've thoroughly enjoyed your photography for ages now - your shots are always beautiful and inspirational. But there was something about this shot and the accompanying story that has touched me more than any of the others have before.
Reading about your family has been both heartwarming and a reminder to us all to live each day as fully and excitedly as we can. Sick or healthy, none of us knows our future and any day could be our last. But the trick is not to concentrate on our final destination but just to enjoy the journey and the sights as we get there. And if there are loved ones that share our journey for however long, than we are more fortunate for that.
To date, 851 of the 860 entries on chromasia were taken by me; this one, the ninth guest entry on chromasia, was taken by my father; a long time ago.
It's 1967, and this is my great-grandfather's house in Brinkman Street in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.
The lady in the bottom right of this shot is my great-grandmother, Grandma Green. From what I can remember, she died when I was around 14; i.e. 1977. I can't say that I remember a great deal about her other than that she always had a big jar of sweets in her cupboard that she would bring down when we went round.
The gentleman sat next to her is my great-grandfather, Grandad Green. He was a private in the Great War (world war one) and in 1918, or thereabouts, was given a full army pension and two years to live after a shell peppered his lungs with shrapnel. He was never especially healthy, but smoked a pipe all his life and lived until he was 84.
Next to my great-grandfather, in the bottom left of this shot, is my great-great-grandma Burton: grandma Green's mother. I don't remember all that much about her – she must have died not more than a year after this shot was taken – but I do remember visiting her house, not too many doors away from my great-grandparents.
In the top left of the shot is my grandmother, Grandma Mabel: great-grandma Green's daughter; great-great-grandma Taylor grand-daughter. She was 90 this year, and still lives in the house that her and my grandfather moved into when they married, well over 60 years ago. She's not quite as sprightly as she used to be, and she now finds her life-long passion of knitting quite difficult, but as best I can tell she hasn't changed much in the 43 years that I've known her.
Next to her is her husband, Granddad George. George was a miner for most of his life and only died a few years ago when he was well into his eighties. I visited him in hospital a few days before he died and told him that he looked a lot better. With a characteristic grin, and a smile in his voice, he said "do you really think so?". He knew better than me and died shortly afterwards.
Next in line is my sister, Andrea. At this point my parents only had the two of us – later there would be two more. She's now a GP (a family doctor) with three kids of her own.
She's being held by my mother (grandma Mabel's eldest) who died in 1991 at 50 years of age. She spent almost a year battling with two different but equally vicious cancers, and was far too young to die. We were all with her in the hospice when she died, and it's an experience that's etched in my memory, that's as vivid now as it was 15 years ago.
And next, there's me, probably about three of four at the time this was taken, probably wearing one of the many thousand of jumpers knitted by my grandmother during her illustrious knitting career.
And finally, my Uncle Jack, my mother's brother: now around 63 years of age.
So, why have I mentioned all this? I'm not sure, other than that I spent a good part of last week thinking that Libby might be next: that she might be about to be a part of my history rather than my future. And I guess the whole experience has been quite sobering.
Oh, and I should mention that it's her birthday today. I won't tell you how old she is, but she's going to be exactly the same age for a good number of years yet ;-)
You were 14 in 1997? Come on Dave, if you're going to lie about your age you need to make it a little more convincing than that ;)
1977 (and I've amended the entry).
aww sweet, happy bday to her, its great quality for the time (well restored i presume)
and lol at the typo and how quickly it was noticed :)
Doug: it's actually a scan of a slide, which is still in pretty good condition.
You're really lucky to have known so many of your older relations - most of mine died well before I was born.
(P.s. I think you mean vicious instead of viscous)
Nice one Dave.
Si: ok, so I didn't spell check this one. I've amended that typo too ;-)
Happy b'day Libby! Very nice family portrait, your father is also a good photographer. It is unusual to be able to photograph five generations of women in one family.
This is definitely a family treasure. I especially like how you are looking straight at the camera whereas your sister is distracted. You must have been captivated from an early age! :-)
Happy Birthday to your wife who I am sure has many many more years (at that magic number!)
I immediately thought that this image was sparked off by recent events.
Either that or you 'archive' really stretches back some.
An interesting potted history. Looks like photography runs in the family, well composed
I've been visiting your blog daily for some time now. I am so glad for you that your wife is on the mend. This picture is a treasure!
My mother also died in 1977 after a brave battle with cancer.
I was 17 at the time. I know of what you speak.
I don't know you at all , but your photography gives me insight into
what you see and whats important to you . Your images inspire ,
but your family priorities , more so.
What a lovely moment frozen in time. Thank you for sharing this.
Happy Birthday Libby
Great Picture. It has the chromasia reflection in there as well. Plus, I love that wallpaper and your jumper.
Also, your sister is wearing my favouritr colour combination.
:-)
Habby Birthday Libby
I've always liked these kinds of family pics.
Best wishes to Libby on her birthday. Lovely photo, reminds me so much of my dads photos of that era - print colour, clothes and that looks just like my mum - hair, glasses and the clothes - spooky!
PS just as I was typing this my daughter came in, saw the shot and said "are you setting up your own blog?" - she thought it was Grandma! LOL
Priceless Dave....have a peaceful Sunday.
Phil
im shoure that this is nostalgic shot for you but its kind of boring if i may say what i think, sorry but you can better then this :(
What a great piece of history. The quality is surprisingly good for such an old slide. Often old pictures of people no longer around make me realise how weird time is. Hope all your family is right as rain soon.
Happy b'day Libby !
Cheers
This family photo is a treasure. Five generations of women! I notice how protectively your uncle is holding you - both hands, much love. Thank you for sharing this.
Happy Birthday Libby !
Dear Libby, I wish you a very Happy Birthday and a fast recovery.
djn, don't be so pessimistic.
great shot, and happy birthday to libby
Interesting that you chose not to give any information on your dad??
I like the reflection in the mirror which john washington pointed out ;)
Bruno: You know the meaning of "petty"? Please look it up.
It was clearly stated that this is NOT a picture by Dave, but by his father. The story behind the picture is at the top of this section, so please read before small-minded remarks like "you can do better". IMO, course.
:)
happy birthday to libby.
i hope she is felling better.
and here in brazil it is mother's day. so please give her my congratulations. :)
just to say that i love your shots and the comments about them.
i love photography and i can say that your work is wonderful.
xoxo.
Happy birthday Libby. This is a lovely photo and reminds me of some of my history too. I spent a few years in Barnsley while I was studying so it brings back memories. Thanks Dave.
This picture is saved for all times, and that´s good. Nice shot of your father. It seems that the predilection run in your family.
What an emotive photograph, thank you for sharing it. It was useful to be able to read your interesting description.
Happy birthday to Libby and hope she is still continuing to recover well :)
Well for me this shot could really have done with a bit more concentration on the Levels with an inverted S Curve on the blue channel, also a nice bit of vignetting would have helped....
;-)
Great find and restore David, one to pass onto the younger photographers in the future of your family...
Happy Birthday Libby
An amazing piece of family history to pass on.
What a fantastic family photo to have! Everyone looks so kind and you are all so tanned. That must say something about the family's interests.
Happy Birthday to your beautiful bride.
sound like you're a proud man , and so would i be, nice one.
Thanks for sharing these memories and thoughts, David.
As I wiped away a tear or two, I had to LOL when finally coming to Sysagent's comments. Nice counterpoint.
Most of all, Happy Birthday, Libby.
Don't fret getting older, your loving and talented husband will always be there with the trusty healing brush. ;-)
Thanks everyone, and Sysagent: I suspect you're right :-)
happy birthday to your wife!
i realy enjoyed this photo and the text.
best regards
How touching to hear the story of your family history and current condition of your wife. Happy Birthday Libby! Do not give up please...
Great picture.
What an extraordinary photograph. Thanks for sharing.
Happy health Bday Libby! Wish you all the happiness in the world!
Dave, this pic is something! Cannot wait to see YOU doing one like this one with all your family :)
A little slice of life; and vignette of the people who love us and who we love.
860 enteries whooa I have a bit to go Im back about a year now and loveing your work! This site is my motivation for hitting my revision deadlines for my exams so I can come on here, seems to be working! :-)
Great great Grandma Burton will be spinning in her grave, calling her Taylor indeed. That makes us all inbred ;-)
Hi Dave,
I've thoroughly enjoyed your photography for ages now - your shots are always beautiful and inspirational. But there was something about this shot and the accompanying story that has touched me more than any of the others have before.
Reading about your family has been both heartwarming and a reminder to us all to live each day as fully and excitedly as we can. Sick or healthy, none of us knows our future and any day could be our last. But the trick is not to concentrate on our final destination but just to enjoy the journey and the sights as we get there. And if there are loved ones that share our journey for however long, than we are more fortunate for that.
Best wishes and take care all of you,
Lee.