Batemans Bay Historical Museum’s volunteer photographer, Ted Richards, is celebrating taking his 1000th photograph of artefacts.
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Mr Richards took his first photograph from the collection, of a set of optician’s test lenses, in July 2012 and the 100th, of a box of costume jewelery, this week.
“I have taken photographs of anything from farm machinery to a packet of needles”, the retired professional photographer said.
“Many were almost forgotten things that were once part of everyday life, such as school slates, candle moulds and typewriters.
“My favourite is a very ingenious hand carved, wooden ‘hot-cross bun crosser’ used to imprint the cross onto home baked hot-cross buns”.
After five year, Mr Richards won’t be announcing his retirement very soon.
The museum has about 5000 artefacts in its collection – and curator Myf Thompson is not letting him go anywhere.
“Ted is a consummate professional,” she said.
“We are so fortunate to have someone of his skills and experience committed to working with us.
“It is a very important role; it is a part of managing our collection, but his photos are not just for record – they are little works of art.
“We are looking at putting some of them on postcards and posters to sell, so others can appreciate his art.
“He can take anything from a tractor part to a fur stole to an antique bottle and they just look superb.”
Ms Thompson pointed to the care Mr Richards took with lighting: “I just can’t tell you how fortunate we feel and on top of that, he is a lovely guy.”
In an interview with the Bay Post/Moruya Examiner in December last year, Mr Richards said he had an eye for the quirky little things that appeal
“You see odd little things and you photograph them,” he said.
The museum project “could go on forever”.
The Museum, at 3 Museum Place, Batemans Bay, is having an Open Day on Saturday from 9.30-3pm, and is also open for the public from 10.00 to 3.00 each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.