Decades-old photographs could unlock Hawkes Bay's past

Treasured photographic secrets taken by one man in Hawkes Bay are finally being unlocked after 70 years.

Local identity Russell Spiller took more than 22,000 rolls of film and now those photos are being scanned, preserving a unique photographic history.

A specialised piece of equipment from the United States has been shipped to the Hawkes Bay to help preserve a collection of old photographs.

Mr Spiller took over one million black and white photos.

Decades-old photographs could unlock Hawkes Bay's past
Photo credit: Supplied


His son, Perry Spiller, described his dad as a hard worker.

"It wasn't uncommon or dad to do a christening, an engagement, a 21st, a wedding and then start again on a christening for that family.

Mr Spiller's family handed over the negative to the Knowledge Bank to preserve Hawkes Bay's photographic past.

Decades-old photographs could unlock Hawkes Bay's past
Photo credit: Supplied

Each negative is scanned using specialised piece of equipment from the United States and saved as a digital photograph.

It's a massive involving 80 volunteers giving months of their time to complete the huge task.

It is estimated to take two years to complete.

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