Ray French Posted April 28, 2022 Share Posted April 28, 2022 Hi all, [Thanks to Dave McLaren for allowing me to post the following...] In 2006 I was granted access by HMFC to photograph the old Main Stand at Tynecastle. Originally the idea was simply to document the place for posterity ahead of the imminent demolition and rebuild by Mr Romanov. But as we all know that never happened under Vlad, and so I was able to pull together a more extensive archive, spanning a decade, representing the stand as a significant piece of Archibald Leitch architecture, a place of work for many people, and as the central hub of Tynie on matchdays. I've now published a photo-book 'tribute' to the old stand, Beware of Pickpockets, which I am selling to raise funds for the Foundation of Hearts. The first edition print run was limited to 100 copies. All profits (should work out at about £10 per book) will go to FoH. If you would like to know more about the book, and how to purchase a copy, please follow this link to the website: https://www.anordinaryplace.com/beware-of-pickpockets Thanks for reading, Ray French. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
briever Posted April 28, 2022 Share Posted April 28, 2022 Remember that sign. My auld man supported Hearts for 65yrs until the dementia got him but he was only ever pickpocketed once - at Fester Rd 😄 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalamazoo Jambo Posted April 28, 2022 Share Posted April 28, 2022 Looks great, Ray! I’ve sent you an email as I’d love to get a copy sent over the Pond. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canscot Posted April 28, 2022 Share Posted April 28, 2022 Hi Ray. This is good timing! Been back from Canada for the two derbies and return home May 5. Might just pop down to diggers from Juniper Green on May 4 for a copy. It would be a great addition to go with my brick from the main stand I have back home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manorbranchalumni Posted April 28, 2022 Share Posted April 28, 2022 Where abouts in Canada are you? Also in Canada and traveled back for last 2 finals Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
August Landmesser Posted April 28, 2022 Share Posted April 28, 2022 brilliant, throughout the demolition I was hoping something like this was being done. That's my birthday present sorted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rudy T Posted April 28, 2022 Share Posted April 28, 2022 Love the pictures of the old turnstiles, plenty memories of going through them. The last game I attended in the old stand was the Weir Derby… what a day that was. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray French Posted April 28, 2022 Author Share Posted April 28, 2022 Thanks for those responses, everyone. For anyone wondering what the reference to the Diggers was about, I'm going to be selling some of the books in there next Wednesday 4th May. I'll be hiding in the snug from around 2pm to 8pm, if you want to part with some filthy lucre... There should also be some photos from the book up on the wall (which I am going to claim as my first public exhibition...😉). Ray. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avhudtheteeshirt Posted April 28, 2022 Share Posted April 28, 2022 I remember sitting up at the back of the old stand for a reserve game next to Roald Jensen. He would talk about the players and generally how good they were. Great man!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannymack Posted April 28, 2022 Share Posted April 28, 2022 £45 !!!! 😵 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannymack Posted April 28, 2022 Share Posted April 28, 2022 I hope Heart of Midlothian are currently researching and compiling a 150 anniversary book using all the clubs photographs and artifacts from yesteryear especially now they have access to all the items that are in storage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francis Albert Posted April 28, 2022 Share Posted April 28, 2022 (edited) 36 minutes ago, dannymack said: £45 !!!! 😵 It does seem a lot. A book of photographs of the old stand came out just before its demolition. Stuart Cosgrave wrote a commentary on the photos but I don't have to hand the name of the photographer. The images for the new book shown on the link at first sight seem less impressive than those in the old one which was I think about one third of the price. This is obviously a good cause but I wish the club shop had pushed the old book harder. Edited April 28, 2022 by Francis Albert Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francis Albert Posted April 28, 2022 Share Posted April 28, 2022 30 minutes ago, dannymack said: I hope Heart of Midlothian are currently researching and compiling a 150 anniversary book using all the clubs photographs and artifacts from yesteryear especially now they have access to all the items that are in storage. And a special exhibition in the museum too. Or maybe even in a larger space. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
upgotheheads Posted April 28, 2022 Share Posted April 28, 2022 I remember a notice at the famous old Gorgie Road entrance that said "no money returned under any circumstances". As a child paying1/6d I always made sure that I had the exact amount because I thought you didn't get change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EH11 2NL Posted April 28, 2022 Share Posted April 28, 2022 13 minutes ago, Francis Albert said: It does seem a lot. A book of photographs of the old stand came out just before its demolition. Stuart Cosgrave wrote a commentary on the photos but I don't have to hand the name of the photographer. The images for the new book shown on the link at first sight seem less impressive than those in the old one which was I think about one third of the price. This is obviously a good cause but I wish the club shop had pushed the old book harder. Paul Gray all for one? Not sure if that's the book you mean, I have it, it's really good. Not to take away from the OPs book which also looks great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canscot Posted April 28, 2022 Share Posted April 28, 2022 5 hours ago, Manorbranchalumni said: Where abouts in Canada are you? Also in Canada and traveled back for last 2 finals Okotoks. Just south of Calgary. I was back for 2012 final too. Was thinking of staying over for this final but wife and I got Covid and had to extend our stay while in Spain then rebook our flight back to Canada three days later than originally booked. So all in all we are heading home May 5. It will be tv for me for this final I am afraid!🥴 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannymack Posted April 28, 2022 Share Posted April 28, 2022 27 minutes ago, upgotheheads said: I remember a notice at the famous old Gorgie Road entrance that said "no money returned under any circumstances". As a child paying1/6d I always made sure that I had the exact amount because I thought you didn't get change. 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hughesie27 Posted April 28, 2022 Share Posted April 28, 2022 £45 🤯 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francis Albert Posted April 28, 2022 Share Posted April 28, 2022 28 minutes ago, EH11 2NL said: Paul Gray all for one? Not sure if that's the book you mean, I have it, it's really good. Not to take away from the OPs book which also looks great. That's the one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brownkg Posted April 28, 2022 Share Posted April 28, 2022 1 hour ago, Francis Albert said: It does seem a lot. A book of photographs of the old stand came out just before its demolition. Stuart Cosgrave wrote a commentary on the photos but I don't have to hand the name of the photographer. The images for the new book shown on the link at first sight seem less impressive than those in the old one which was I think about one third of the price. This is obviously a good cause but I wish the club shop had pushed the old book harder. I think the Paul Gray book was about £24 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
been here before Posted April 28, 2022 Share Posted April 28, 2022 1 minute ago, brownkg said: I think the Paul Gray book was about £24 20 sheets https://www.heartsdirect.co.uk/item/441/GiftsMerchandise/Paul-Gray-All-For-One-Book.html 45 seems hefty for a book of photographs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francis Albert Posted April 28, 2022 Share Posted April 28, 2022 2 minutes ago, brownkg said: I think the Paul Gray book was about £24 Ok about half the price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davemclaren Posted April 28, 2022 Share Posted April 28, 2022 I’m a sucker for Hearts books and it’s a limited edition. Plus, I have one of the photos in it hanging on my wall already. As always it’s all down to choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray French Posted April 28, 2022 Author Share Posted April 28, 2022 For those critical of the price point: I have Paul Gray's book, it is excellent. It contains 35 images (not incl. the front cover) and runs to 48 pages of approx 8x12". The book is paperback, and 1,000 were printed in 2005. It was published by Stills, who were subsidised by the Scottish Arts Council. As far as I am aware, there were no profits donated to HMFC-related causes from the book, although I guess the club shop may have taken a slice of the per copy price (if anyone knows better, I'm happy to be corrected on that). In contrast, Pickpockets is 12x12", runs to 106 pages, and is hardback with a wrap around dust cover. 100 copies were printed in February this year at a personal cost to me of £3,535.03 (that three pence was a killer...). It contains 90 images, not incl. the cover images. Profits will go to FoH. Neither book is 'better' or 'worse' value than the other - they have been published with different ends in mind. You pays your money, you takes your choice. Happily, with the book on sale for less than four days (and only half a day on JKB) I've already sold 33 copies, including two orders that arrived while I was typing this... 🙂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobNox Posted April 28, 2022 Share Posted April 28, 2022 1 hour ago, Ray French said: For those critical of the price point: I have Paul Gray's book, it is excellent. It contains 35 images (not incl. the front cover) and runs to 48 pages of approx 8x12". The book is paperback, and 1,000 were printed in 2005. It was published by Stills, who were subsidised by the Scottish Arts Council. As far as I am aware, there were no profits donated to HMFC-related causes from the book, although I guess the club shop may have taken a slice of the per copy price (if anyone knows better, I'm happy to be corrected on that). In contrast, Pickpockets is 12x12", runs to 106 pages, and is hardback with a wrap around dust cover. 100 copies were printed in February this year at a personal cost to me of £3,535.03 (that three pence was a killer...). It contains 90 images, not incl. the cover images. Profits will go to FoH. Neither book is 'better' or 'worse' value than the other - they have been published with different ends in mind. You pays your money, you takes your choice. Happily, with the book on sale for less than four days (and only half a day on JKB) I've already sold 33 copies, including two orders that arrived while I was typing this... 🙂 Fair point Ray, it's comparing Apples with Oranges. I'll be in the Diggers next week to pick up my copy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the general Posted April 29, 2022 Share Posted April 29, 2022 Will pop up to the Diggers hopefully I prefer hardback books Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry Potter Posted April 29, 2022 Share Posted April 29, 2022 5 hours ago, the general said: Will pop up to the Diggers hopefully I prefer hardback books aye sit better in my bookcase, 🙂. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart Lyon Posted April 29, 2022 Share Posted April 29, 2022 17 hours ago, Ray French said: Hi all, [Thanks to Dave McLaren for allowing me to post the following...] In 2006 I was granted access by HMFC to photograph the old Main Stand at Tynecastle. Originally the idea was simply to document the place for posterity ahead of the imminent demolition and rebuild by Mr Romanov. But as we all know that never happened under Vlad, and so I was able to pull together a more extensive archive, spanning a decade, representing the stand as a significant piece of Archibald Leitch architecture, a place of work for many people, and as the central hub of Tynie on matchdays. I've now published a photo-book 'tribute' to the old stand, Beware of Pickpockets, which I am selling to raise funds for the Foundation of Hearts. The first edition print run was limited to 100 copies. All profits (should work out at about £10 per book) will go to FoH. If you would like to know more about the book, and how to purchase a copy, please follow this link to the website: https://www.anordinaryplace.com/beware-of-pickpockets Thanks for reading, Ray French. I don't use PayPal is there any other way I can reserve a copy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the general Posted April 29, 2022 Share Posted April 29, 2022 6 hours ago, Harry Potter said: aye sit better in my bookcase, 🙂. Same .. disappointed at folk slaghing the price ! Cost of a shitty home top or a good match day out in the Arms Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davemclaren Posted April 29, 2022 Share Posted April 29, 2022 Good excuse for a couple of pints in the Diggers as well as further use of my free bus pass. 🥸 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Section Q Posted April 29, 2022 Share Posted April 29, 2022 On 28/04/2022 at 23:07, briever said: Remember that sign. My auld man supported Hearts for 65yrs until the dementia got him but he was only ever pickpocketed once - at Fester Rd 😄 I know a Celtic fan who was pick pocketed at Tynecastle in the away end in a Hearts v Celtic game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davemclaren Posted April 29, 2022 Share Posted April 29, 2022 12 minutes ago, Section Q said: I know a Celtic fan who was pick pocketed at Tynecastle in the away end in a Hearts v Celtic game. I was once accused by another supporter of trying to pick his pocket exiting the ground after a match in the early 80s. Long story… 🥸 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ri Alban Posted April 29, 2022 Share Posted April 29, 2022 (edited) 17 hours ago, Francis Albert said: Ok about half the price. You don't squeak when you walk, perchance? Edited April 29, 2022 by ri Alban Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francis Albert Posted April 29, 2022 Share Posted April 29, 2022 18 hours ago, Ray French said: For those critical of the price point: I have Paul Gray's book, it is excellent. It contains 35 images (not incl. the front cover) and runs to 48 pages of approx 8x12". The book is paperback, and 1,000 were printed in 2005. It was published by Stills, who were subsidised by the Scottish Arts Council. As far as I am aware, there were no profits donated to HMFC-related causes from the book, although I guess the club shop may have taken a slice of the per copy price (if anyone knows better, I'm happy to be corrected on that). In contrast, Pickpockets is 12x12", runs to 106 pages, and is hardback with a wrap around dust cover. 100 copies were printed in February this year at a personal cost to me of £3,535.03 (that three pence was a killer...). It contains 90 images, not incl. the cover images. Profits will go to FoH. Neither book is 'better' or 'worse' value than the other - they have been published with different ends in mind. You pays your money, you takes your choice. Happily, with the book on sale for less than four days (and only half a day on JKB) I've already sold 33 copies, including two orders that arrived while I was typing this... 🙂 Thanks for that. And well done on sales so far. I have more than a shelf's worth of Hearts books and wasn't slagging off the price just commenting without knowing more than it was a book of photographs. Paul Gray for me caught the feel of the old stand very well. Lo0k forward to seeing how this compares. Just hope the large format fits in my shelves! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francis Albert Posted April 29, 2022 Share Posted April 29, 2022 3 hours ago, ri Alban said: You don't squeak when you walk, perchance? I have no idea what you mean but well done for preserving the Shakespearian word perchance. But isn't it English? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francis Albert Posted April 29, 2022 Share Posted April 29, 2022 19 hours ago, Ray French said: For those critical of the price point: I have Paul Gray's book, it is excellent. It contains 35 images (not incl. the front cover) and runs to 48 pages of approx 8x12". The book is paperback, and 1,000 were printed in 2005. It was published by Stills, who were subsidised by the Scottish Arts Council. As far as I am aware, there were no profits donated to HMFC-related causes from the book, although I guess the club shop may have taken a slice of the per copy price (if anyone knows better, I'm happy to be corrected on that). In contrast, Pickpockets is 12x12", runs to 106 pages, and is hardback with a wrap around dust cover. 100 copies were printed in February this year at a personal cost to me of £3,535.03 (that three pence was a killer...). It contains 90 images, not incl. the cover images. Profits will go to FoH. Neither book is 'better' or 'worse' value than the other - they have been published with different ends in mind. You pays your money, you takes your choice. Happily, with the book on sale for less than four days (and only half a day on JKB) I've already sold 33 copies, including two orders that arrived while I was typing this... 🙂 Sorry to come back again on this. But if this edition sells out it will as I understand it contribute £1000 to FoH, less than or not much more than the average contribution to date of 8000 or so FOH members. £35 of the £45 will go to others. So I will judge the book on its merits but find the appeal based on its contribution to FOH a bit cheap TBH. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hmfc1965 Posted April 29, 2022 Share Posted April 29, 2022 40 minutes ago, Francis Albert said: Sorry to come back again on this. But if this edition sells out it will as I understand it contribute £1000 to FoH, less than or not much more than the average contribution to date of 8000 or so FOH members. £35 of the £45 will go to others. So I will judge the book on its merits but find the appeal based on its contribution to FOH a bit cheap TBH. £3500 goes on printing costs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rudiscoresagain Posted April 30, 2022 Share Posted April 30, 2022 Got my copy of the book at the game today. The book and photos are great. Number 51/100. HHGH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jambobiker Posted May 3, 2022 Share Posted May 3, 2022 (edited) I'm getting mine today, it looks excellent! Ray has broken down the costs, profit goes to Hearts not him despite a considerable amount of time and effort producing it. I really don't get these digs at the cost, it costs what it costs, if you don't like it, don't buy it! Looking forward to getting mine, in advance of the Diggers tomorrow but will be there anyway just for the craic and a few beers! Edited May 3, 2022 by Jambobiker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BRY Posted May 3, 2022 Share Posted May 3, 2022 I have the similar Paul Gray book "All For One" from 2005 (I think) It's excellent and covers the whole stadium, not just the main stand. I'll check out this book to see if it's as good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davemclaren Posted May 3, 2022 Share Posted May 3, 2022 51 minutes ago, Jambobiker said: I'm getting mine today, it looks excellent! Ray has broken down the costs, profit goes to Hearts not him despite a considerable amount of time and effort producing it. I really don't get these digs at the cost, it costs what it costs, if you don't like it, don't buy it! Looking forward to getting mine, in advance of the Diggers tomorrow but will be there anyway just for the craic and a few beers! 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the general Posted May 3, 2022 Share Posted May 3, 2022 12 hours ago, Jambobiker said: I'm getting mine today, it looks excellent! Ray has broken down the costs, profit goes to Hearts not him despite a considerable amount of time and effort producing it. I really don't get these digs at the cost, it costs what it costs, if you don't like it, don't buy it! Looking forward to getting mine, in advance of the Diggers tomorrow but will be there anyway just for the craic and a few beers! Any good? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobNox Posted May 4, 2022 Share Posted May 4, 2022 14 hours ago, Jambobiker said: I'm getting mine today, it looks excellent! Ray has broken down the costs, profit goes to Hearts not him despite a considerable amount of time and effort producing it. I really don't get these digs at the cost, it costs what it costs, if you don't like it, don't buy it! Looking forward to getting mine, in advance of the Diggers tomorrow but will be there anyway just for the craic and a few beers! And this is the first run, hardback copies individually numbered. I'll be heading to the Diggers tomorrow to get my copy. As you say, if fans don't want to buy it, then don't buy it, but don't knock it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the general Posted May 4, 2022 Share Posted May 4, 2022 Gentle bump ..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Independence Posted May 4, 2022 Share Posted May 4, 2022 I have bought a copy of this amazing book. The pictures tell the story and will do so, for ever , as this book is handed down from father/mother to son/daughhter. It is great that Ray has spent so much time and effort producing this book that is simply wonderful. Being 65 the pictures mean a lot as I have lived from calling those who sat in the 'old main stand' the snobs to sitting there myself thinking 'how will I get out of this seat as I think I am stuck'. My, how our expectations have changed. If you are Jambo this is a must buy and the price reflects the quality and standard of the book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
naeclue Posted May 4, 2022 Share Posted May 4, 2022 I popped into the Diggers to take a look at the book, and ended up buying one. It’s an excellent book, brings back memories of the old stand, but also showed some sides of the stand I hadn’t seen before. Very impressed with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brownkg Posted May 4, 2022 Share Posted May 4, 2022 Got the copies I had ordered for myself and my son, highly recommended and a good chat with fellow Jambos to boot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the general Posted May 4, 2022 Share Posted May 4, 2022 Cracking.. glad I bought one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jambobiker Posted May 6, 2022 Share Posted May 6, 2022 (edited) On 03/05/2022 at 23:55, the general said: Any good? Sorry, I missed this comment but I guess you agree the answer is yes as I know you bought one! 😄 Edited May 6, 2022 by Jambobiker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the general Posted May 6, 2022 Share Posted May 6, 2022 1 minute ago, Jambobiker said: Sorry, I missed this comment but I guess you agree the answer is yes as I see you bought one! 😄 Ha obviously 🙄 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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