Elizabeth joined us this afternoon for a few days. She brought us a Poppy for the garden.
Our sister-in-law Frances’s father was an excellent photographer. I was therefore very pleased when Elizabeth also brought a 7 x 5 cm. packet of medium format black and white negatives from the 1950s. The envelope bears the stamp of Lim Photo Studio, 235 East Coast Road, Singapore. My sister came with a joint project for us. This was to produce a set of prints of family photographs taken during the years in Singapore. We scanned 30 images today, and will make the prints tomorrow. Here are a few:
From left to right, this family portrait features Frances’s Mum, sisters Patricia and Catherine, and Frances herself,
who here stands alone, perhaps in their garden.
Frances and Patricia enjoy the swimming pool recognised by Elizabeth’s friend Paul, who also grew up in Singapore,
and whose father also owned a similar Vauxhall car, here seen under its corrugated iron shelter.
Perhaps the family travelled on one of these rickshaw bikes,
or shopped here, where Mrs. Boyle, Frances’s Mum, is reflected in the windows.
Socks and sandals worn by her husband, were clearly quite acceptable at the time.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s flavoursome chilli con carne (recipe) and pilau rice with green beans. Elizabeth and I drank more of the cotes du Rhone.
These photos are amazing! You’ve just got to love the socks and sandals vibe haha.
Thanks, Connor. Shiny sandals at that
How nice you have a Poppy in your garden! These photos give me a sense of a relaxed family whose children had a certain amount of freedom. They do reflect a place and time, but also an atmosphere. Interesting.
Thank you, Lisa. They certainly look happy children.
I adore old photo’s, to me it’s like time standing still. I wish we all were still dressing so stylish everyday.
Thank you, Boomdee. I agree
I especially love the Mum and three sisters photo!
Thanks, Gary
Amazing opportunity to get to see those images! Thanks for sharing them with us.
Love the typo. Jackie’s flavoursome child con carne painted an image of Hansel and Gretel swimming in a giant cauldron.
Thank you, Oscar. I like the image.
“This evening we dined on Jackie’s flavoursome child” – you devoured the child already? I’ve heard of cooking with Poppy seeds but not the entire Poppy. Lovely black and White photos – and I love the Vauxhall!
Thanks, Bruce. I really must get these posts off before I fall asleep. On the other hand it is good to test my poof redders
Thanks Derrick. You’re poof redders deserve a slice of the child as a reward!
🙂
With ‘printing the prince’ and ‘devouring the child’ I can’t help but think that there’s a joke or a riddle in here? Or too much wine
…..,.
Well spotted, Danni. More a case of not finishing til 11.30. Now amended. Thank you for poof redding.
Another world altogether! The socks and sandals must have been popular with people of all ages because even the kids are wearing them in other photos.
Thanks. Well spotted each of you
Thank you, Michael
Marvelous photos!
Thank you, Elena
As someone with Malaysian heritage, I enjoyed this very much. The old Vauxhall is a particular highlight.
Thank you, talking parcel
😍😍
Thank you, Aras
swimming pool is back to front , buildings, including sweet shop, is on the right, beyond the parasols is a drop to a beach. We used to swim out and play in the jap built concrete gun emplacements. We also had to vacate the beach when the the fleet came in as the wash from the ships caused a mini sunami. Paul
Many thanks, Paul. I guess I’ll have another go at scanning.
We didn’t have a Vauxhaull we had a simca V8 (dad) and a Renault Floride convertible.(mums ) called a Caravelle in the U.K. Both rusted terribly in the salty damp atmosphere.
Thanks, Paul
My mother also lived in Singapore for a while, when my grandfather lived there for his work as a Merchant Marine captain. I have zero photos of the family from that time, and I love it that you have these.
Thanks very much, Crystal. Paul remembered the swimming baths and could establish that one of the photographs had been printed the wrong way round
Yes I saw that. I think it’s neat that he remembered the scene so well.