portraits in mono: the volunteers by quietpurplehaze

portraits in mono: the volunteers

It is difficult now to find stranger portraits with the spectre of Covid-19 lurking around any encounter. Thus I am revisiting existing colour portraits, seeing how they suit b&w conversions.

I met Richard and Maureen when they were volunteering in the tea room at the Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty in Winchester. One of the elderly Brothers who lives at St Cross and was standing at the counter took it upon himself to stage manage the photo-shoot. It made for a different style of photo including a teapot with invisible tea!

It was soon evident that, although this husband and wife team are involved now with cake, all their life has been a love affair with chocolate.

Several of Maureen's relations have worked at Cadbury World and she and Richard met there in Birmingham. They became engaged in South Africa where Richard had been posted. He told me he was 'chief taster'; later in the conversation I learnt that he was in charge of the 'Overseas Production Department and Quality Control'.

The family who founded Cadbury World were Quakers, committed to knowing their employees and looking after their well-being. Educational opportunities were often provided and Richard himself was the recipient of a music scholarship.

I am pleased to have had the opportunity to meet these smiling volunteers at St Cross almshouses which are currently closed to protect their elderly residents

Everyone has a story to tell.


https://flic.kr/p/2kpNeoa
Super portrait of these two.
February 16th, 2021  
Sound an inspirational couple - nice portrait!
February 16th, 2021  
Nice one !
February 16th, 2021  
Lovely portrait's and narrative Hazel, well done on both counts:)
February 16th, 2021  
Lovely portrait and what a great collection of teapots. Every one is different.
February 16th, 2021  
Lovely portrait
February 16th, 2021  
Wonderful portrait with the teapot and interesting life story.
February 16th, 2021  
Super portrait...love the smiles
February 16th, 2021  
Bep
A lovely portrait of these two, nice to read their story.
February 16th, 2021  
Lovely portrait and great narrative!
February 16th, 2021  
I remember these two happy souls...if only we could visit the tea shop!
February 16th, 2021  
@happypat

It usually opens for the summer at the end of March but not sure what will happen this year as the almshouses have been closed to protect the elderly residents.
February 16th, 2021  
A great capture!
February 16th, 2021  
Lovely portrait
February 16th, 2021  
A lovely portrait!
February 16th, 2021  
it is a good mono conversion hazel , well done
February 17th, 2021  
Beautiful b&w portraits. I loved my 6 week stay in Birmingham for a beta release of our software. I remember an industrial museum that was fascinating and I remember the Cadbury Chocolate museum also.
February 17th, 2021  
They look like a fun couple! Great story.
February 17th, 2021  
@phil_howcroft

Phil, thank you! It's quite busy..........
February 17th, 2021  
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