Pictures taken by a little-known photographer between the 1930s and 1960s have found a new use helping to trigger memories and reminiscences among people with dementia.
"In the dementia care world reminiscence is up there as one of the leading groups of therapeutic approaches," explains Prof Bob Woods, an expert in the clinical psychology of older people at Bangor University.
"Essentially it's a good way of facilitating communication, and so it helps people to feel more socially integrated and comfortable," says Woods. This is often as important for the carers as for those with dementia, he says, allowing them to see the person beyond the disease.
Aside from emotions and familiarity, the nature of dementia often means it's easier for people to recall older memories than quickly bringing to mind day-to-day events, Kane adds.
And talking is typically less powerful than having someething that people can look at, pick up and feel, says Woods, even if the person doesn't necessarily recognise exactly what it is. "It starts off a process of talking, sharing and communicating."
Photographs are just one way to stimulate memories. Songs and poetry often came out of conversations inspired by Hardman's photos, says Quinn.
