The George Woods photographic collection: fishermen and boats at Hastings in the 1880s and 90s

George Woods Collection

The George Woods Collection of photographs held by East Sussex Libraries is a fantastic thing – and you can see it for yourself on Flickr.

Many of the photos are very posed – with men dressed in oilies on what are clearly dry, fair-weather days and girls in summer frocks – but they do present an interesting perspective on the gear that was in use. And some of the photos are clearly not posed at all…

George Woods was born the son of a draper in St. Albans, Hertfordshire in 1852, but after his father died became a successful stock market investor – which provided him with time to work on his photography.

During the late 1880s and early 1890s photographed Hastings beach and in the local countryside. He left the photos to his daughter Ethel, who donated most of his prints to Hastings Museum in the early 1960s shortly before she passed away. Woods’ glass plate negatives were acquired by local solicitor and historian, John E Ray, and were acquired by Hastings Library following  Mr Ray’s death.

Matthew Atkin photographs the boats of Mumbai

My photographing brother Matthew Atkin has been exercising his camera around the harbours of Mumbai again. I hope you enjoy the shots.

Naturally, the dried fish are Bombay duck, a local fish that is usually dried and salted to preserve it, and is then fried for eating as an appetizer before a meal. Strangely, it apparently has a powerful smell but little taste…

Thanks for the photos Matt! For more of my brother’s excellent and exotic photos, click here.

More favourite local boats seen while sailing the Swale

Some more favourite local boats seen around the Swale – and mostly photographed using one hand! As usual, click on the small image for a much larger view.

The little white-hulled boat from Paglesham is just the cutest thing, isn’t she?