When you look at old black and white photos, the past seems very far away. This is especially apparent with First World War photographs. And yet in the course of time, it was only yesterday.
The Vimy Foundation, with the support of the Department of Canadian Heritage and the R. Howard Webster Foundation is launching a unique and innovative project to colourize images of the First World War, a project aimed at re-engaging young Canadians in a defining moment in our history.
The images featured within this project will not only highlight the important battles in Canada’s history, but also life on the home front, wartime industries, the contributions of women, and advances in medical and communications technologies.
The First World War in Colour project will consist of colourizing 150 images from Library and Archives Canada as well as local archives from across the country, and video archives from the National Film Board of Canada (NFB); youth workshops across Canada; a travelling exhibit to be hosted by museums and galleries (starting early summer 2017); and a new book (and e-book) published by Dundurn Press for the centennial of the Armistice. The images featured within this project will not only highlight the important battles in Canada’s history, but also life on the home front, wartime industries, the contributions of women, and advances in medical and communications technologies.
Thank you to the Government of Canada for supporting this program. Click here for details.
Unable to ride his cycle through the mud caused by the recent storm. A Canadian messenger carries his “horse”. August, 1917.
Library and Archives Canada / PA-001581 (modified from the original)
Ensuring that the digital colourization is historically accurate is both painstaking and expensive work. Help us to complete this valuable project prior to the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in April 2017.
Donate now to support the First World War in Colour collection.