Historic photographs of people enjoying the great outdoors are colourised for the first time

The photographic collection, from four English Heritage sites; Brodsworth Hall and Gardens in Yorkshire, Wrest Park in Bedfordshire, Eltham Palace in London and Audley End House in Essex, shows people from all walks of life enjoying the fresh air amidst parks and gardens and rivers – from convalescent soldiers to the daughter of an earl and even members of the special forces.

The initiative is in partnership with TikTok as part of the #LearnOnTikTok campaign,

a dedicated long-term programme to seed a whole ecosystem of educational content.

English Heritage Lead Properties Historian, Andrew Hann, said: “Colourising photos instantly makes their subjects more real and relatable to us.

" The great outdoors itself is full of life, energy and most importantly - colour, and it feels right to be bringing that colour to these images.

English Heritage cares for some very grand country houses and it’s clear that their gardens and grounds have long been a source of enjoyment for their residents and visitors and remain so today.

" With some of these photos dating as far back as the mid-19th Century, it is great to know that in 2020, even as the seasons change, we can still wrap up warm and share a common experience with those who came before us, albeit without the camel.”

Marina Amaral, digital colourist, said: “Colour has the power to bring life to the past. Often, when colourising images, there is a focus on big historical moments, but it is also so interesting to look at people from the past living their everyday lives and breathe life into moments we, in the 21 st century can still relate to.

" That’s so true of this set of pictures, particularly during a year where we have all come to appreciate the great outdoors more than ever.”

The images range from Herbert Thellusson sitting on a bench in the Brodsworth Hall garden taking a break from a game of tennis, to Lady Amabel Cowper of Wrest Park enjoying time with her beloved dogs, and troops stationed at Audley End playing a game of football, to forces soldiers tackling an assault course.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.