Hatfield photographer's historic discovery
IN 1987, Nigel Sorrell came across a remarkable discovery. At the time, Nigel was working as a police forensic photographer, and had been given an old roll of film to develop by a friend. The film, it transpired, belonged to
IN 1987, Nigel Sorrell came across a remarkable discovery.
At the time, Nigel was working as a police forensic photographer, and had been given an old roll of film to develop by a friend.
The film, it transpired, belonged to one Ralph Ponsonby Watts, a former lieutenant colonel of the British Indian Army, who had documented his adventures across the world from the early to mid 20th century.
Eventually, 33 more films were discovered in a biscuit tin at a house owned by the son of Lt Col Watts, each one providing vivid and fascinating snapshots of colonial India, China, Oman and Iran, to name but a few.
You may also want to watch:
After years of lovingly restoring the photos, and with the help of Lt Col Watts himself, Nigel is ready to show the world these remarkable pictures for the first time.
"It feels like a link between last century and this one," said Nigel, from Heathcote Avenue, Hatfield.
Most Read
- 1 More than 20 arrested following major Welwyn Hatfield county lines drugs operation
- 2 Closing the New QEII at night permanently still to be considered
- 3 Man sentenced to three years in prison for breaking girlfriend's jaw
- 4 COVID-19 deaths across Hertfordshire hit new milestone
- 5 Bank becomes latest to be lost from town centre
- 6 Mum-of-four loses six stone in just over a year after being unable to play with her youngest child
- 7 'Horrific' abuser who 'showed no remorse' sentenced
- 8 Former Spitfire and Hurricane engineer celebrates 100th birthday
- 9 Apply for planning permission or move skips and machinery, company told
- 10 Who is Lady Danbury in new Netflix series Bridgerton?
For more photos, and an interview with Nigel, see next week's Welwyn & Hatfield Times.
