Just a quick post about 'ghost' figures or rather figures that appear as a blur in the early photographs of the Thames.Now to one of my favourite (often revisited) photographs taken from the corner of Pollen & Grey Streets. Shortland Town (Thames).
Captain Butt's iconic Shortland Hotel, that stands to this day, although remodelled and rebuilt many times.
The street is a mess, typical of the streets on the Thames Goldfield - once the rain came they turned to a mud and bog.
A closer view, and you can spot the markings along the wall, particularly near the main entrance. I have heard all-sorts of explanations: Flood markings, horse rubbings, dirt from the road and so on.
A glance today, and I saw the photo in a whole new light. The blurs now clearly (in my eyes at least) men standing outside the Shortland Hotel. The 'blurred' effect that they must have got sick of waiting and moved!? Anyway thats my new version of the 'ghostly' blurs outside Butt's hotel.
There are other examples we have looked at in previous blogs. Maybe you can find some more examples of "ghostly" images at The Thames?
