Westland Gems – Collage #01

by Nicolaas Digi Art

Westland Gems. What are they? They are digital creations, based mostly on black-and-white photographs, which can be found in a historical archive. The source photographs are all – often unique or special – shots taken in the Westland region. Someone once labelled them ‘Photographic Gems’. Using modern techniques, it is often possible – sometimes with a bit of ingenuity, sometimes with a great deal of patience – to turn these black-and-white photographs into colour images. I launched the Facebook page ‘Westlandse Plaatjes’ in October 2025 and realised at one point that it would also be quite unique to create a special photo album there. I quickly came up with a name, and the album was called ‘Westlandse Pareltjes’. I also regularly post these gems in one or more Facebook groups. So far, I’ve received lots of lovely, positive reactions. People recognise the scenes and love seeing the colour versions as well as the black-and-white photos. That makes sense, because back then the sky was blue and the grass was green too. However, the technology wasn’t available back then, or it was too expensive to use. I recently thought it would be nice to make a collage from the “Westland Gems”. Collage #01 features over eighty gems! A lovely overview. I intend to create one or more collages later this year, as I still have plenty of gems ready to go and new ones are constantly being added!
I’m very happy and pleased with this collage myself and have it hanging on our wall! I hope it will meet with your approval too. It could be a lovely addition to your home too… on your wall.