Bringing memories to life through the power of colour

Alex Smith
Nov 6 · 3 min read

Each year the UK population falls silent at 11am on Remembrance Sunday, to reflect and honour the lost lives of servicemen and women during both World Wars and conflicts which have since taken place.

Local residents from towns, cities and villages will gather at war memorials along with ex and present military personnel, to participate in a sombre 2 minutes silence. For many people Remembrance Sunday is a time not only to honour the lives lost during conflicts across the world, but to remember family members who are no longer with us.

With Remembrance Sunday taking place this week, clothes retailer Chums wanted to mark the occasion by asking members of the public to provide black and white photographs from time gone by, which would then be brought to life in colour.

The concept “Memories in Colour” would allow members of the public to add a special touch to some of their most precious memories of loved ones and distant relatives. A number of the images featured men and women who served in the military during WW1 and WW2, meaning the quality of the photographs we’re not very clear.

With modern day technology and software available today, Chums were able to colourise and restore the quality of the images and the results are truly breathtaking.

Ken West

Before embarking on his military career, Ken West, who was originally from Reading, worked in the printing industry. Ken joined the Territorial Army before moving from his home town to join the Durham Light Infantry as a junior officer.

Ken was involved in numerous military operations including the battle of Kohima and was sadly invalided out of the army due to contracting malaria.

Eric Rubin

Eric was a member of the Survey Regiment between 1940–46 and although he may look relaxed in this photograph taken just before D-Day; he was about to be parachuted into conflict happening in France.

Due to numerous important military operations Eric was involved with, he received 4 medals for bravery and to commend his dedication. Believe it or not, after leaving the forces Eric enjoyed normal life and began working at Chums.

The images of Ken and Eric are just two of the black and white photographs which have been brought to life through colour. Photographs are some of life’s most precious memories and to be able to colourise and restore some from decades ago, will bring back memories to the relatives of the servicemen and women featured within them, ahead of Remembrance Sunday in a few days time.

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