Can anyone help restore this photo of Farrens from Derry

[John-76]

You're right Russel, patience is the keyword... and lots of it!  I started on the most difficult part (for me) the lady in the middle and it's a real challenge!
Enjoy!

[russell12]

Here's what I've got so far (which is not 'impressive' by any means but maybe will encourage others to have a go as well)...



(I've cropped out the borders which I'll re add in later, and the massive hole at the top to cut down the amount of work needed)

I was wondering if anyone wanted to 'partner up' and share the work? So one person work on colour and then the other do the scratches or half and half  Just a suggestion since it's quite a bit of work to do by oneself.

I didn't actually intend to colourise the picture but I've found it acts as a good guideline for when your clone stamping those scratches away like a crazy person...

EDIT: Uploaded new progress shot with higher colour saturation.

[kieran257]

Hi all,

Thanks for all your comments and for all the great work.
 
So sorry I didn't get back to you sooner yes this is three sisters from what I recall.

Russell you have made a great job so far as  I can see them now.

Thank you so much for all your hard word it is so much appreciated

Kieran

[John-76]

Looking good Russell!  Your idea is good. I have no problem with that, but I'm not quite to the point I want to share, not good enough yet.  I haven't started any color yet, but have spent half of today trying to get the left ladies' dress to look good.  I am trying to substitute a dress pattern very close for the original.  I also plan to put a new background in from another dated background, (wall paper?) to keep the main focus will be on the ladies.  The middle ladies' face was TOUGH to do.

[russell12]

Looking good Russell!  Your idea is good. I have no problem with that, but I'm not quite to the point I want to share, not good enough yet.  I haven't started any color yet, but have spent half of today trying to get the left ladies' dress to look good.  I am trying to substitute a dress pattern very close for the original.  I also plan to put a new background in from another dated background, (wall paper?) to keep the main focus will be on the ladies.  The middle ladies' face was TOUGH to do.

Thank you!

I think the wallpaper once upon a time was a sort of floral/damask print 

I did something similar a while ago with a picture in which the sky was badly faded/cloudy, I never ended up finishing this restore since everyone else had already beat me to it!



So I can help out with finding a substitute wallpaper if you like...

[John-76]

Sure Russell.  If you find a good one I'd be happy to try them.  Can you post links on RC? If so, do that and I'll download or screen grab as long as not copyright issues.

[McGroger]

My try. And, sorry, but it ain't that pretty.
Anyway, I now know what it must feel like to paint a house with a toothbrush.
I changed the proportions a little to reduce that distracting background and focus more on the sisters.
Cheers,
Peter

[russell12]

Another progress comparison... it's finally starting to take form now! It still looks a little 'rough' in some places - but due to the poor texture of the photo I don't think that can feasibly be fixed; I could use the blur tool but then I'd sacrifice the overall clarity.

[John-76]

Looking good Russell!