A rare ‘barn find’ of forgotten photographic images and ephemera goes on show at Hereford’s History Day later this month (September). 

The find was discovered by the Hammond family. Father Geoffrey and son Richard were well-known studio photographers and most of their work has been archived at Herefordshire Records and Archive Centre. Richard, now in his mid-eighties, always suspected there were more treasures beneath a pile of items in his garage. 

The Hammond family has agreed to the find being exhibited ‘as found’ at Hereford History Day before it’s passed on for professional conservation work. 

History Day organiser Marsha O’Mahony says the find is a rare treat. “We hope it might persuade other visitors to see what treasurers they have hidden away.” 

The foyer at Hereford Town Hall, the venue for the free History Day on Saturday, September 23, 11-4, will also feature one of the last red GPO motorbikes, rescued by postman Peter Mayne for his Postal Museum. Part of this ‘secret museum’, not normally open to the public, will be on show along with around twenty other organisations which will offer visitors a unique History Supermarket. 

Star guest and BBC researcher and presenter Nick Barratt will give a glimpse of life behind the scenes on Who Do You Think You Are? and present the awards to the city’s first Young Historian. City youngsters have contributed their own family histories for a display. 

“With an Elizabethan History SLAM!, historic city tours, and a civic procession through High Town - not to mention tea and cakes – there’ll be something for everyone interested in history,” says Marsha from Herefordshire Lore. The county history group is organising the day with sponsorship from the Herefordshire Family History Society, Hereford City Council, Jackson Properties, and Wye Valley Brewery.