"Windows into the Past"
was a major project started by The
Magic Attic to scan, preserve and exhibit a large number of
glass negatives.
Approximately 7000 negatives from the archives of the
Burton Mail were donated to the Attic in August 2005.
An initial examination showed that they ranged in dates
from the 1890s until 1980, many of the earlier ones
being of significant historical importance from the
renowned photographer Richard Keene of Burton. The
glass plate negatives contain a unique pictorial record
of the industrial and social history of the area over
the last 110 years.
Following professional advice on conservation techniques
from Local Record Offices and major museums as far away as
America, Australia and the British Museum a grant request to
the Lottery Heritage Fund was successful. Specialized
scanning equipment and materials were obtained and an
initial inventory of the negatives was started and the
training of volunteers commenced.
The negatives were digitally scanned at high resolution
and archive
copies of the original scans written to DVD's in
uncompressed TIF format. Copies of the scans are
photographically enhanced, stored in a specialised database
and printed in a format suitable for detailed description.
Large prints will be made, mounted and exhibited at various
venues during the next few years. The full database and
prints can be examined at The Magic Attic.
Examples
of plates that have already been scanned
The opening of
the Ferry Bridge at Stapenhill
Burton Town Hall
used as a Red Cross Hospital during WW1
Bretby Colliery
"Windows into the Past" is the largest project that the
Magic Attic has undertaken.
