Prepare to be amazed as we uncover a hidden treasure trove of travel photography! A grandson's incredible discovery has brought to light an extraordinary archive of 80,000 images, capturing the world through his grandfather's lens.
In late 2021, Jack Smith embarked on a journey of exploration when he opened two mysterious boxes, hidden away in his parents' garage for decades. Little did he know, these boxes held a treasure trove of his grandfather Herbert's life's work - an extensive collection of photographs spanning decades and 40 countries.
Jack had always known his grandfather as an amateur photographer, but the sheer scale and quality of his work took him by surprise. This discovery sparked the creation of 'A Blank Wall', a project dedicated to showcasing Herbert's remarkable talent and unique perspective.
The archive is a diverse collection, consisting of 65,000 color slides and 15,000 black-and-white negatives. Herbert, a native of Bolton, England, began his photographic journey with a Rolleiflex in the 1950s. From the 1970s onwards, he traveled the globe with his trusty Olympus cameras, capturing moments in South Africa, Bolivia, Fiji, and Russia, among other destinations.
Jack describes Herbert's style as a 'fly-on-the-wall' approach to travel photography. "He was fascinated by people and their stories. Whether it was Guatemala, Tokyo, or South India, half of his photos were dedicated to capturing the locals. He would engage with them, ask for situational portraits, and create a highly personal record of the world as he saw it."
What's fascinating is that Herbert's approach, now common on Instagram, was highly unusual in the 1960s and 70s. Jack believes that by studying his grandfather's work, he can trace his progression as a photographer. "In the early days, you see him experimenting, playing around with holiday snaps. But as you delve deeper, you witness his craft developing, especially with black-and-white printing. His surgical background is evident in his methodical, meticulous approach. It's clear he was dedicated and invested a lot of time in his photography."
The collection includes a variety of film formats, from Kodachrome and Agfachrome transparencies to Ilford black-and-white negatives and large-format film. Jack has given new life to this forgotten archive by creating 'A Blank Wall', a website and Instagram platform showcasing Herbert's work. With over 250,000 followers, Jack uses social media to share his grandfather's untold stories and the fascinating journey of their discovery.
"People are drawn to the storytelling aspect. They love hearing about Herbert's photography and the story behind how it was found. It's a unique intergenerational tale that resonates with the public."
Although Jack never met Herbert, who passed away before he was born, he feels a deep connection to him through his photos. Jack's father, also a photographer, serves as a link between the two generations, and Jack has spoken to some of Herbert's friends, who describe him as a quiet, well-meaning man with a dry, witty sense of humor - very British indeed!
"I know he had a deep appreciation for the arts and culture. His curiosity drove him to explore remote places, which is a wonderful legacy to hear about."
For Jack, this project has been a creative outlet and a way to learn more about the craft of photography. "At first, I was overwhelmed by the collection. I sought advice from photographer friends and realized the importance of uncovering the stories behind the images. With my family's support, I began documenting and archiving his work."
The collection has a unique, almost Vivian Maier-like vibe, yet Herbert was not entirely unknown. He was a fellow of the Royal Photographic Society and friends with renowned photographers like Alf Gregory, who captured the first ascent of Mount Everest in 1953. Despite encouragement, Herbert never published his work, only entering a few competitions and showing his photos to local photography societies.
As Jack continues to digitize and archive the slides, he dreams of following in his granddad's footsteps. "I want to pick up the same camera he used and travel to the places he visited. I also see this project as a creative platform to highlight not just my grandfather's work but also other photography I admire."
Be sure to check out 'A Blank Wall' on Instagram and their website to explore Herbert Smith's incredible photography. You can also purchase prints of his work and support this fascinating project.
Image credits: Herbert Smith, courtesy of Jack Smith
