The Covenant and the World of Tom Mathias

Evocative photographs from Thorne Moore here… a tantalising hint of her next book, The Covenant.

When I first moved to Pembrokeshire, back in the early 1980s, a fascinating discovery had just been made in the area: a cache of negative plates taken by a local photographer,Tom Mathias, 1866-1940. The plates had been rescued and restored by another photographer, James Maxwell Davies, and were put on display in the village where I’d just arrived.

I was fascinated by them and bought several copies as they are so atmospheric, so inspiring in their portrayal of life at the start of the 20th century. The life of the local gentry was there: the mansions, the hunts, the carriages, the fat babies and scholars, the dignified gents and stately ladies posing for the camera.

Not just the gentry though. Their servants are there, gathered en masse for a photographic record but also at work, along with a myriad of photographs of ordinary people leading their…

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12 thoughts on “The Covenant and the World of Tom Mathias”

Marvelous post, Judith. Thanks for sharing. Hugs on the wing.

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Judith Barrow on August 1, 2020 at 12:37 pm said:

And many thanks to you, Teagan for dropping by to comment on Thorne’s post. I love these old photos. xx

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Thanks for this, Judith. Publication date draws nearer! xx

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Thank you for sharing this very interesting post. So many old photos from one community are a real treasure for better knowledge of their lives. Michael

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Judith Barrow on August 2, 2020 at 6:29 pm said:

I’m glad you enjoyed seeing the photographs, Michael. It certainly brings an idea of the times, doesn’t it? Thanks for dropping by to read Thorne’s post

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- OIKOS™-Publishing on August 2, 2020 at 7:03 pm said:
  
  Hello Judith, thats true. All from one town/ community is very rare to find. The still photos are adding like a movie. Thank you for mentioning. Be well and stay save. Michael
  
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- Judith Barrow on August 2, 2020 at 7:25 pm said:
  
  Thank you, Michael. Take care.
  
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- OIKOS™-Publishing on August 3, 2020 at 11:13 am said:
  
  Thank you Judith, will do. Here – the town in the past was called “entrance to hell”, one can choose which evil will take place. Lol
  
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