Mystery subjects of portrait photographs taken in the 1950s and 60s have revealed their identities after an appeal was made to track them down. The pictures were taken by Herbert Shergold, who ran a studio on Gloucester Road, Bristol, using glass plate negatives to make his subjects look like film stars. A selection of his works are on display in an exhibition at The Launderette on Cheltenham Road.
During the event, the Bristol Photo Festival organiser launched an appeal for people in the photographs to come forward. Their then-and-now pictures can be viewed below. Ricky Ford, pictured above, has been a singer on the Bristol music scene for nearly 70 years.
He began picking up gigs in cinemas and theatres in the city and the surrounding areas at the age of 15. One day his agent sent him to get some professional pictures taken to use in advertising and press. Now 84, Ricky was one of the people that came forward to share his photos, which he still uses for promotion to this day.
“I’m so happy he’s getting the recognition he deserves," said Mr Ford. "There’s something that sets him apart form the rest. "I was just expecting a standard studio picture like you would get of happy families, but when I saw what Shergold made I just thought: 'Oh my god is that me?'” Mr Ford went to his appointment with Shergold in a suit and bow tie, as he expected to have a conventional studio picture taken.
However, when he told the photographer that he was a pop singer, Shergold asked hi.
