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.