Alfred Stafford b 1880-1947

 Studio Photographs

This photograph is of my Grandpa Alfred (Alf) Stafford taken at the studio of Jas Dickinson of 43 Grainger Street Newcastle upon Tyne, and again considering its age it is in great condition.  You just cannot fault the quality of early professional photographs can you? Their photographs "have stood the test of time." 

A young (orphaned) man like Alfred, at this time in his life, I reckon around 17 or 18, could afford to indulge himself by having a studio photograph taken. Human nature never really changes does it?  The popularity of having your photograph taken at this time was huge - it is the equivalent to the (narcisstic) selfie of today? 

I reckon this is the first time Alf had been to a photographic studio, because you can see a sneaky smile playing around the mouth and eyes, great eh! 

Original

Restoration

Just look at the photographer's props.  The ornate covered table with the book so carefully placed (which looks as if it has gold edged pages as its edge shines), the ornate rattan chair placed so that the subject can nonchalantly place his elbow giving an overall aura of a relaxed studious man of literature (which Alf was).

Alf, as a young man, has carefully dressed to have this photograph taken, just look at that hairstyle, a cut that has become fashionable again in 2017. (I bet he had his hair cut for the occasion). He is wearing a smart fine checked woollen suit with small, high lapels, with a great striped tie, obviously very fashionable at the time.  You can see a handkerchief just showing in the breast pocket, and the whole ensemble is finished off with a fine watch chain and fob. 

Only Restoration required was to remove age related haze 

We move forward to 1907/8 where we see the mature Alfred has travelled to Newcastle upon Tyne to have his photographic portrait taken at the studio of Edward G Brewis, 10 New Bridge Street. 

See how in a few years Alfred's clothing has changed, from 'fashionable' to the 'conventional' dress of a mature married man with children.  In researching the photographer, I discovered that Edward Brewis died in 1908 aged 44. 

It can be seen that Alfred's appearance is still very important to him, he is smartly dressed in a three piece suit, wide lapels, satin tie and white shirt. His fine head of hair has been cut and carefully brushed, and he now has a larger moustache.