This photograph had been lost to time, tucked away in a dusty album long forgotten. It showed my client’s sister in the 1950s, captured in timeless black and white. He remembered her vividly that day, the radiant smile and the striking red dress.
The challenge was to restore the image before it was lost forever while keeping true to its era. It needed to feel authentic to the 1950s and not like a snapshot from a modern smartphone.
The original photo has softened over time, with blurry details around the face, uneven exposure, and a flat, washed-out look. Age has turned the blacks and whites to grey, with light speckles, scratches, and edge wear creeping in. Yet, despite the fading, it still retains plenty of character and detail, making it an ideal candidate for restoration and colourisation.
Here we have added base colour, bringing the black and white photo to life. The bold red dress, white gloves and shoes, and clearer background details set the stage for further refinement.
The final restoration brings the photograph back to life in a way that feels true to its era. The soft tones, gentle contrast, and carefully chosen colours recreate the look of a 1950s print rather than a modern edit. The client’s memory of his sister in a striking red polka dot dress has been honoured, and the image now feels authentic, warm, and alive. It captures both the style of the time and the sentiment of a cherished family memory.