Abandoned Boy Holding a Stuffed Toy Animal. London 1945
Even though the idea looks simple, the final image has a surprisingly touching effect: by seeing those historic moments in color, we can relate to them easier, and this makes the pictures a whole lot more powerful. Instead of seeing those photos like we’re used to in history books, we now meet people that seem a lot more real, and situations – war scenes, for example – that look as if they have just happened.
It’s nice to see that the community of history fans is growing, and that people want to make it relevant to others. However, this has also sparked some discussion, as some say that the artists are just messing with historic facts and misinforming people. So, view it critically. For more old photographs restored in color, check out the works of Sanna Dullaway and redditor mygrapefruit from Sweden.
Abandoned Boy Holding a Stuffed Toy Animal. London 1945 - Colored
As you might have noticed, the whole picture has a significantly different feel to it.
You can fully apprehend the whole scale of the war and the issues people faced back then.
Albert Einstein, Summer 1939 Nassau Point, Long Island, NY
Albert Einstein, Summer 1939 Nassau Point, Long Island, NY - Colored
Nothing here to say except the fact that the whole photo looks alive including Albert.
Indeed, the sunlight is well colored and it looks like it was made in the 80's.
Young Boy in Baltimore Slum Area, July 1938
The photo itself is nothing spectacular.
Young Boy in Baltimore Slum Area, July 1938 - Colored
However, once the authors added color, it gained a new dimension of meaning.
It is a direct representation of Baltimore in all of its beauty and horror.
Elizabeth Taylor – Giant (1956 film)
Elizabeth Taylor is not only mystical in this photo, but mind boggling.
Elizabeth Taylor – Giant (1956 film) - Colored
Clearly, there is no deny that she looks very attractive in black and white format, but once the color has been added, the end result can not be described in words.
Hindenburg Disaster – May 6, 1937
The Hindenburg disaster proved that you can not be safe 100%.
Hindenburg Disaster – May 6, 1937 - Colored
Although when color was added, it received a modern look, which makes it even more terrifying.
Japanese Archers, circa 1860
Japanese culture is among the most distinguishable in the world.
Japanese Archers, circa 1860 - Colored
The color pallet selected for this particular piece only compliments to the whole atmosphere.
View from Capitol in Nashville, Tennessee During the Civil War, 1864
View from Capitol in Nashville, Tennessee During the Civil War, 1864 - Color
The recreation of sky is not only accurate, but magical.
It is a rare phenomena that people are able to capture the feel and look of the whole scenary.
Unemployed Lumber Worker, circa 1939
The way this lumberjack is smiling proves that he is not lost and devastated from the fact that he has no job.
Unemployed Lumber Worker, circa 1939 - Colored
Apparently, the color only adds to the whole brightness of the character in question.
Auto Wreck in Washington D.C, 1921
The car crash back in 20s was not only a disaster, but a rare sight to encounter. Surely, there were automobiles back then, but not as much as there is now.
Auto Wreck in Washington D.C, 1921 - Colored
The way the author colored the sky, not only develops the atmosphere, but secures that the whole tone of the disaster is present.
Big Jay McNeely Driving the Crowd at the Olympic Auditorium into a Frenzy, Los Angeles, 1953
There are little to no examples of this kind of pictures.
Big Jay McNeely Driving the Crowd at the Olympic Auditorium into a Frenzy, Los Angeles, 1953 - Colored
The fact that the carpet is red, not only develops the tone of the scenery, but proves that the author was doing some research.
W.H. Murphy and his Associate Demonstrating their Bulletproof Vest on October 13, 1923
W.H. Murphy and his Associate Demonstrating their Bulletproof Vest on October 13, 1923 - Colored
Audrey Hepburn
Audrey is looking simply magnificent in this scene.
Audrey Hepburn - Colored
The domestic color pallet, the facial expression, as well as the process only looks brighter due to colors.
‘Old Gold’, Country Store, 1939
The original photo can be described as gloomy and cold.
‘Old Gold’, Country Store, 1939 - Colored
This on the other hand, is full of happiness and hope.
Joseph Goebbels Scowling at Photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt after Finding out he’s Jewish, 1933
Joseph Goebbels Scowling at Photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt after Finding out he’s Jewish, 1933 - Colored
The original photo was terrifying, but once color was added, the scene became even more gloomy.
Nikola Tesla, 1893
Nikola Tesla, 1893 - Colored
Perhaps this photo was colored the most out of the bunch.
But this particular example is by far the best one.
British Troops Cheerfully Board their Train for the First Stage of their Trip to the Western Front – England, September 20, 1939
British Troops Cheerfully Board their Train for the First Stage of their Trip to the Western Front – England, September 20, 1939 - Colored
Due to colors, the soldiers look significantly happier.
Oscar II, King of Sweden and Norway, 1880
The photo had many irritations in terms of color selection.
Oscar II, King of Sweden and Norway, 1880 - Colored
This on the other hand, is by far that most well developed and well put.
Walt Whitman, 1887
Walt Whitman, 1887 - Colored
The attention to details and the overall mood of the photo can be described as hard work and peace.
Mark Twain in the Garden, circa 1900
Mark Twain in the Garden, circa 1900 - Colored
Never in his life Mark felt so full of color.
Indeed, the amount of saturation is perfect for the season and time of the day, as well as it is perfectly matched with the Marks clothes.