Heritage consultant Reg Porter rescued five photographs from a scrap heap and presented them to the public archives in time for Heritage Week. The large format historic photos, two of which were taken during the Prince of Wales' visit to the Island in 1860, were found in the bottom of a trunk in a damp basement. They were almost illegible and had been attacked by mold and insects.

Porter recognized the importance of the faded images and obtained them from the trunk's owner. He enlisted the support of former PEI Museum director David Webber and Barbara Morgan, a photographer with expertise in heritage photos. The trio then began the painstaking work of transforming the photo's shadowy images.

In spite of missing sections caused by insects and discoloration from the damp conditions, sharp details of Government House architecture and the elite of Prince Edward Island parading on the lawn at Fanningbank were obtained. The current quality of the prints strikingly contrasts the condition of the originals.

Provincial Archivist Harry Holman praised Porter's efforts. "Reg Porter recognized the hidden importance of the material and through his extraordinary effort has made valuable information available to the public."

The photos document various confederation era aspects, ranging from architecture to historic costume. The existence of the photos has already assisted in the on-going restoration of the governor's residence.

Porter identified the photos as the work of Wellington Chase, a Halifax photographer, who likely accompanied the Prince of Wales on his visit to PEI in 1860. Other photos in the collection depict a native camp in Nova Scotia, a triumphal arch in Halifax during the Prince's visit to that city, and a group of military officers, one of whom is believed to be noted 19th century writer John Hunter Duvar.

For more information, contact Harry Holman, Public Archives, (902) 368-4290.