Preserving Fire History

For some clients, photo restoration is about saving a piece of history. Historians and collectors uncover photos and documents they want to preserve, copy, and share with others to further knowledge about a specific topic or moment in time. We love projects like these because we get to learn more about a wide variety of topics, including fire history from Ted T. Over the years, we’ve seen some remarkable pieces and learned about local and national fire history from Ted. Our team asked him to share a little bit about his experiences with photo restoration.

Tell us about your piece(s) (photo restoration, custom framing, or painting restoration). What did your project(s) mean to you? How did you feel about its original condition?

As an individual interested in fire prevention and fire service history, I am always on the lookout for photographic and printed materials. Old photographs of fires and fire apparatus are usually in poor condition or so small and consequently need restoration and or enlargement. Not a job for your typical corner drugstore. Preserving fire service history is important as so few in today’s fire departments realize the heritage that precedes them.

People have varying experiences with restoration and custom framing. Some people have used professional services, have explored do-it-yourself options, or are completely new to the process. What did you already know about restoration or custom framing? Did you have any concerns or questions about the process?

As I alluded to before, the photographs I typically find are in poor and usually faded condition. Your typical photo shop is not the place to take them. I originally did not know what could be done with pictures in such poor condition. Over ten years ago, I found Coyle Studios, and their staff quickly proved what they could do. As a result, I have stopped asking them, “Can you?” because I know they can!

Everyone has different timelines for their projects. Some pieces sit on our clients’ shelves for years before they bring them in for restoration or framing. Others act straight away. How did you decide this was the right time to frame or restore your item?

Well, sometimes it’s true that some of my projects can sit for a while. But then, others I need within a certain timeframe. I try to give Coyle a reasonable target date, and they have never failed.

A before-and-after reveal is so exciting. How did you feel when you first saw the finished product? What reactions–if any–did you receive from your family and friends?

The first restoration Coyle did was absolutely amazing. To bring back a photograph so faded it now looks new! I have no idea how they do what they do, but I am very happy with them.

We always wonder what happens to projects after they leave our studio. They become very special to us. What did you do with your final piece(s)? How did you feel about the end result–especially when compared to its original condition?

[With] all of my photographs, I retain my original and one “Coyle” restoration copy. Those that I have had multiple copies made could be anywhere from Massachusetts to Virginia, as I try to share important photos of fire service history. I am always amazed at the final product that Coyle Studios produces.

Was there anything about the process that surprised you? What was your favorite part?

It’s not the process that is amazing to me, it is the product. I don’t know hardly anything about photography, but I sure do appreciate what the professionals can produce.

What advice do you have for people looking to start their own restoration or custom framing project?

Take care of your original copy. Have a general idea as to what you want done. Listen to the advice of Coyle. They know what will work and what won’t. Don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Do you have anything else to add or want to share with readers?

I have long since stopped looking for a competent professional photographic studio. Coyle Studios has never failed to satisfy my needs. God bless them.