Social media account, 'Jersey Then and Now' uses digital tools to colourise and enhance photos from Jersey's past, run by a man who fell in love with the island.
A social media account that restores old photographs of Jersey was temporarily banned from Instagram because it was so popular.
It is now rebuilding itself, after, despite growing organically, its unprecedented popularity was flagged as suspicious by the platform.
Michael Burn says 'Jersey Then and Now' grew so well because islanders love seeing how where they live has changed, yet also stay the same.
"Jersey is such a special place, the amount of history we have, and the beauty.
"Nowhere else in the world has what we have, the history that is all around us. We have one of the oldest buildings in the world, we walk around our coast and our towns and we see evidence of so many different lives that have been here before us.
"People want to learn, and they want to see what it has looked like, and we must teach each other about our history; it is so important."
He studied Law and History in Poland and has an interest in how societies change and function.
Michael says moving to Jersey 'changed his life:
"I had an alcohol addiction. I moved here for work, and I immediately fell in love.
"I remember the first drive I did through Jersey, all the landscapes and the sea and the things to look at, it was so beautiful.
"There is a quote about opera, about how if it is for you, you will immediately fall in love, and this was me with Jersey."
Followers are marvelling at the detailed glimpses into the island's past that have been brought to life in a new way.
He uses digital tools to colourise and define the photos of Jersey landmarks and landscapes, going back hundreds of years.
"I want people to send me their own photos, from the Second World War, for example, I'd love to see them, it's so important and so special.
"This is my passion. After the account was deleted, I didn't know whether to give up, but I got so many people messaging me and I thought, no, this is such a great thing for people to see."
Many are commenting on the photos, who still live on-island, or have since moved, sharing the same sentiment - that there is no time or place they'd rather be in again.
Michael wants to build a community to eventually host in-person exhibitions where he and others can display the photos.
It also has a Facebook page.
Jersey community unites out west for solar eclipse
A-level results day: "The grades you get don't define you"
Invite to 'Sponsor a Brave Bear' for families facing off-island treatment
Travel problems persist for some Jersey residents
The solar eclipse in Jersey: All you need to know
£1.2m in fines for missed Income Tax deadline
One in eight Jersey heatwaves has happened this year
Hydration breaks to be introduced at Battle of Flowers
Comments
Add a comment