Posts Tagged ‘Halifax’

Crimean Memories - Released by Schiffer Publishing

What would be the reaction of two ‘Yanks’ photographing and writing about surviving artefacts of a near forgotten British War – the Crimean War?  Well, it wasn’t at all what was expected.

Whether it was our dogged determination (focused on the work until it was done each day, then on to the pubs), our historical knowledge (certainly not reaching the level of theirs), the fact that the soldiers who fought it are under appreciated, our approach (professional – we hoped), or merely our bright Yank-like smiles, we were met with overwhelming enthusiasm and support from museum staffs and private collectors wherever we went.

At first, they were a bit reticent and cautious, wanting to bring each artefact into our photo set, then returning each delicately to its glass case home.  After a few museum visits, however, with both of us wearing white gloves, and Mike speaking curator-eez to them, things began to change.  I think phone calls were made among this small community of museums.  They saw and sensed how we cared for and about the artefacts.  Soon we were ourselves handling the artefacts, given the keys to the display cases, and found less and less supervision on our work.  We considered this the utmost compliment and were diligent in our efforts to honor their trust.

In all locations they made room.  In some instances they would close down a floor for our setup.  In others, they went so far as to close the museum for us to shoot. I can recall one occasion where they actually closed the museum, handed us the keys, and said please come get us if you need anything, then, in passing, “Oh, and lock the doors when you’re finished.  We’d like you to join us for a bite and a pint.”  Needless to say, we were a mite humbled by this treatment.

We were hosted all over by the most gracious folks.  Just to name a few of the many cherished memories:  As mentioned previously, guests at the homes of several curators and collectors; guests several times for lunch at the Honorable Artillery Company – London; guests at a Loyal Georgian Society meeting – Halifax; provided a private tour of Horse Guards (Sort of the British Pentagon) by the SgtMaj of the Welsh Guards; guests at Black Sunday, Scots Guards, Wellington Barracks; guests at the Sergeants’ Mess and Officers’ Mess, Wellington Barracks; and even a special guest at Windsor Castle for the Scots Guards Changing of the Colours by Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth.

Mike assisting with lighting on a typical shot - note his white gloves

Mike hard at work taking notes on artefacts

NCO Mess Wellington Barracks

Will and Commanding Officer, Scots Guards - Black Sunday, Wellington Barracks

With Brigadier Kim Ross - Black Sunday, Wellington Barracks

Will 'working' while seated at The Duke of Wellington's desk - Horse Guards

Windsor Castle - Five Bishops blessing the new Scots Guards Colour

HRH Queen Elizabeth at Scots Guards Changing of the Colours - Trooping the Line. She is really quite lovely and gracious.

Crimean Memories: Artefacts of the Crimean War - released by Schiffer Publishing 2009

The journey to publication of Crimean Memories: Artefacts of the Crimean War wasn’t merely about the technical or logistical side of the photography or the history of the artefacts.  It was, in fact, a people experience Mike Vice and I will never forget.

Six months before our first one-week “recce” visit to see if the project was even feasible we started sending letters to museums and collectors asking what their Crimean collection consisted of, and permission to photograph.  The response was much better than expected, and our subsequent first visit was a rousing success.  The project was, indeed, reasonable and achievable, but the budget was going to be tight.

We planned and coordinated our second 4-6 week visit with detailed appointments for shooting and a grueling itinerary.  Our major bases of operation were London (south of England), Halifax (middle and north of England), Edinburgh (Scotland), and a town whose name I can’t even pronounce in Wales.  We planned to take day trips from these places like the spokes in a wheel, and it worked, far above expectations.  To accomplish this, however, we had to find lodging, and that expense alone might have crippled us.  It did not.  Because we had so many kind friends who supported us, and the worthiness of the project.

In London, Sergeant Kevin Gorman, Archivist, Scots Guards, and the son I never had, found us more than reasonable accommodations. He was, as well, an invaluable help with various aspects of the project.

In Halifax, we stayed at the home of a dear friend, LtCol Wade Russell, Royal Tank Regiment (Ret), for weeks on end.  Whether we arose at 2 or 3 am, and in spite of our protests, Wade was always there, making us breakfast for the road.  Whatever time we returned, exhausted and bedraggled, he was waiting with a quiet smile and a fresh gin and tonic.

We felt one of the larger collections was at the Green Howards Museum in Richmond, and that it would take more than a day to shoot.  Roger Chapman, the then curator, insisted we remain overnight with him and his lovely wife.

In Scotland, Wade made arrangements for us to stay at a military officer’s mess in Edinburgh – delightful, and within budget.  We ate at the enlisted mess, and spent the evenings in good company at the officer’s mess.

In Wales, our hosts were Bill Curtis and his wife, while we photographed his definitive weapons collection.  We then went on from there to shoot artefacts at the 23rd Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum.

The kindness and unending hospitality of these folks and so many others made the project not only possible, but so very enjoyable.  The new friends we made and the old friendships we nourished will be with us always.

What I want to talk about in Part II, tomorrow, is the reception of the museum staffs and private collectors to two ‘Yanks’ on a mission to photograph surviving artefacts from a very British war.

The Team - A/Sgt Kev Gorman, Scots Guards, Will, and Michael, surrounded by our equipment

Will and Roger Chapman, of the Green Howards. Photograph taken at the Crimean War Research Society Annual Meeting

Bill Curtis smiling among his collection - a happy man, indeed

Will, Mike, and Wade Russell at the Maypole Pub near Wade's house, not far from Halifax

Mike & a friend, Peter Lockwood, who was a wonderful host and great help in the project's early stages.

British officer's roundabout jacket showing campaign use (Details in book)

British officer's forage cap worn by a Victoria Cross recipient (Details in book)

Officer's breast plate (All the details and history are in the book)