Obtaining copies of old family photos from estranged sibling

[PurpleOwl333]

Just sibling and I unfortunately Pheno. 

By admin do you mean the will etc? If so, my understanding is that my sibling dealt with everything. I knew my mother's neighbours and they weren't close with my mother, only a "Good morning" on the way to the shop etc. Good ideas though, thanks.

Is there another sibling that could intervene?

Could you contact a neighbour of your mother's to see if they know if there was any distribution of goods/money etc and if they know who dealt with the admin - most people do use a legal person.  You could then enquire about the whereabouts of photos perhaps.

Pheno

[Pheno]

Then you might not have much recourse other than to engage a solicitor of your own - perhaps to task him with ensuring that the proceeds (including photos) were dealt with appropriately under the terms of the will.

Pheno

[PurpleOwl333]

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking, although I have no idea whether my mother thought to say stuff about photos etc in the will. I'm kicking myself now for not being interested in family history and taking copies earlier   

Then you might not have much recourse other than to engage a solicitor of your own - perhaps to task him with ensuring that the proceeds (including photos) were dealt with appropriately under the terms of the will.

Pheno

[Rena]

Have you looked on the web to see whether there are any websites specialising in old photos of the town/village, or county where you spent your formative years?  Additionally there are many webpages on Facebook where people share old family photos and memories, such as "Pictures And Storys Of Old Brummies";  "Old Hull"; "Ilford In Pictures;  "East Yorkshire At Peace/War"; etc.   If you think you know which school or church your ancestor attended and it's still standing there may be a webpage where you could spot their image. 

[Treetotal]

Have you tried looking for matching family trees on Ancestry who may have posted photos there?

Also...On the left hand menu you will see  there is a pictures tab...if go onto to it and type your family surname and the area where they lived you may get lucky.
Carol

[Ruskie]

I'm sure you have already considered this, but is there someone who may be act as an intermediary between you and sibling? An old friend of your mother or a more distant relative?

I agree that as there is still animosity between you and sibling that if you express an interest in the photos, then they could well "disappear". I wonder if someone who gets on well with your sibling might be able to talk them round? Even one of sibling's friends? I think that a solicitor's letter may cause the same reaction  - denial of ownership of any photos or destroying the photos if they still exist.

I understand how you feel as there was a similar situation in my own family with mother and her sibling who was keeper of the family photos.

[PurpleOwl333]

Thanks so much for the suggestions Rena and Carol. I'd become way too focused in on the one source and hadn't considered the other available places to find photos. It's brought to mind many possibilities for me to hopefully find some which is great!

I've had a long hard think about that Ruskie, and there isn't anyone who I know of who could have any kind of influence, act as an intermediary or who would even be willing to contact them. You could well be right about the solicitor's letter also... and sorry to hear you've been through a similar situation.

I feel I'm probably best focusing on the other potential sources suggested and see if my mother's will was registered anywhere or just kept at her home and see if there's anything about the distribution of photos.

I'm so glad I joined Rootschat, you guys and gals are awesome, thanks again 

[normamac]

Is there an established photographers business in your home town. Give them your family name and address they lived  at that time and the years you are searching and they will go up in the attic and look through their archives. I did this last year. Good luck.

Norma

[hurworth]

I'm wondering whether money might make any difference to the value your sibling places on any existing photos.

Could you offer a particular sum per photo to aquire copies?  I'm not sure how you get around the quality of photo.   Obviously this would be more than the cost of just a copy - it needs to be enticing.