Albums of photographs: disposal?

[Ray T]

My advice (for what it’s worth) is that you should never assume that you won’t work out who the subjects of the photographs are.

I have a photograph of an elderly couple taken in the US. I’ve known the photograph since I was in my teens (I’m now retired). I had no idea who they were neither had any knowlege of any family in the US. With a great amount of diligent research, several years ago, I managed to work out who they were. Judging by the number of people who have sequestrated it from my on-line tree, it’s the best photo’ of them anyone in the world seems to have.

[ainslie]

I have started on the albums and so far the best tip has been to use an old, broad knife to help with extraction.  One album is harder, having no visible  access slot.
They are all heavy!
I will come back on this thread or the one for photo identification when I am further down the line and have the scanner in action.
Thanks for all comments.
A

[a-l]

I will look forward to seeing your photos very much ainslie.

[Gibel]

There is a book called Lancashire Professional Photographers by Gillian Jones which list Lancashire Photographers and their dates at different addresses. Perhaps your local library has a copy.

Mr Sampson was a well known photographer in Southport and took many photographs in the locality. I will check the dates he was in London Street when I am in the library.

Added

Mr Sampson was taking photographs in the early1860s if that helps?

[aghadowey]

This site might be of interest- lists of photographers, etc.
www.cartedevisite.co.uk/

[ainslie]

Thanks for both recommendations.
A

[jaybelnz]

Noooo!  Never give up!!  From my recent DNA results, I connected with a Scottish living relative of my Dad! I have loads of photos of his family, and so does she,  I know who some of them were, and others I didn't!  Between myself and my relative, we have been able  to identify all the people in our old photos!  So please hold on to them, have you got relatives you could contact who might know who they are? You never know when something will pop up somewhere.  Good luck and happy hunting!  👍👍👍

[Nanna52]

Don’t expect immediate results working out who they are.  It’s a bit like fishing, throw out the line and wait patiently.  I put a photo on the restoration board and a couple of years later I was contacted by someone who confirmed who she was and was highly delighted as they did not have a photo of her as a child.
Another time I was looking into the career of an actor cousin, some time later someone added pages from an autograph book he had with my cousins and his wife’s autographs. 

[Ruskie]

The album itself is of value too so take care with "extracting" the photos. I would say that if they don't come out easily don't force them. Are you taking out all of the photos?

It may be too late now depending on how far you have taken this, but it might be worth seeking the help and opinions of a conservator so you don't ruin either the photos or the albums.