Mystery pics offer window to the past
Can you solve riddle of who took them?
A fascinating cache of photographs of Stirling in the 1960s is currently on display in the city.
The slide photographs taken by an unknown photographer were discovered in a city centre dental practice during lockdown.
Made in Stirling, where the photographs feature in an exhibition, is appealing for anyone who knows the identity of the mystery photographer to get in touch.
Made in Stirling CIC director Paul Jenkins said: “We would absolutely love to find out about the origins of these photos.
“Their importance cannot be underestimated and we’re inviting everyone who may have been around at the time to come along to see if they jog any memories and give us any clues.
“I think the rich colours of these Kodachromes create an emotional connection to our wee city.
“Heaped in nostalgia, they offer the viewer a reminder of how far Stirling has come in such a short space of time.”
The exhibition at Made in Stirling’s base in King Street began on Monday this week and will continue until Sunday, April 30.
Around 50 slide photographs were found in the Platt and Common Practice on Dumbarton Road.
They have been restored by the chairperson of the Smith Museum and photography enthusiast Dr David Mitchell.
Paul added: “During lockdown city dentist John Denham discovered a little box of slides in the practice.
“David saw some photos John shared on social media and immediately recognised their value.
“The photographer used Kodak Kodachrome II slide film in their camera. Kodachrome was in development from the 1920s and was a significant advance in colour photography.
“Kodachrome II was released in 1961, becoming an iconic film stock, and was available until 2010 when the famous US photojournalist Steve Mccurry shot the last ever roll.”
David – whose own photographs are also currently on display at Made in Stirling – said of the Stirling 1960s photos: “These images capture the weeks before the unveiling of the Robert the Bruce statue in colour and completion of the rotunda.
“For the first time we can see the original patination of the statue, for example, and demolition work in progress at various locations. There are very familiar views that look distinctly different than they do now.”
John added: “It is great to see such interest in a box of old slides and wonderful to see them being made available to the public and preserved for the future.
“It is not clear who the photographer was for certain but we hope that in time that can be determined”.