Found in a Sewing Basket II

I now have to admit I have found out more about the photograph I posted this morning, and I want to say a couple of things in my defence before I post it.



The photo was taken as part of documentation of the contents of a needlework basket. I knew it was a photo of people, but I was working so quickly that it was only when I got home I realised they were in military uniform. Or I may have taken more notice at the time.



Then, it was only late last night I got to the sheet compiled by the cataloguer, for checking. And found the notation "explanation on the other side". By that time I was kicking myself for not unwrapping the lace, but thought it would be just foreground and more boots. Although that black line up the middle was there .....


So I have been for a drive this morning, and looked at it again. And unwrapped the lace.






keep scrolling down









bit more

Yep, it is men cooking!!!

The full-sized one is HERE.

The note on the back gives a location (near here) and a date - 1908 - so these are the local Light Horse Militia.

We are discussing how to deal with it as an object now - it is quite a challenge, as the fact it has been used like this is more important, in a way, than the original photograph, in museum speak.

So we think what we will do it make a reproduction of it, and wrap the lace around the reproduction, and carefully archive the original. We then note on the catalogue record that this is what we have done. And display it prominently in the basket with the story.

Speculation is fun. I like the idea that this is a way to keep taking a surreptitious peep at someone that maybe a photograph should not have been kept of .....

Any other suggestions????