An Account by J. WILLIAMS, ESQ., PHOTOGRAPHIC SPECIALIST, OF THE PORTLAND STUDIO, RHYL
It is with the greatest pleasure that I add my testimony to the truthfulness and absolute sincerity of Mr. Hope and Mrs. Buxton.
They have been known to me for several years; altogether no less than six times I have had sittings with them. In every case they have allowed me every facility to eliminate any possible fraud, which as a photographer of nearly fifty years’ experience, I was eager to discover.
One experience with the Crewe Circle was this: at one sitting I was asked what plate I would choose from a packet of twelve plates; it was decided on the fourth from the top of the packet. The camera was not used; Mr. Hope and I entered the dark room and only myself touched the plates during development. On the fourth plate was a message from the late Archdeacon Colley. This negative I have by me and anyone wishing to see same can do so with pleasure.
No one could wish for a better test than this; no one but myself touched the plates at any time during the sitting. The plates I brought with me, tied with special knots to prevent any opening of the packet or substituting of another packet.
(Signed) Jno. Williams.
Portland Studio, Rhyl.
The Testimony of JOSEPH HIGGINBOTTOM, ESQ., VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE SHEFFIELD AND DISTRICT SOCIETY FOR PSYCHICAL RESEARCH
(An account of a surprise visit in which the sitter secured a likeness of his mother, of whom no normal photograph is in existence.)
I am pleased to have this opportunity of adding my testimony to the honesty of Mr. Wm. Hope of the Crewe Circle.
Herewith I enclose a psychic photograph of my mother. [Not reproduced.—Ed.] It has been freely recognised by those who knew her. Such is my confidence in Mr. Hope that I cannot allow myself to imagine for a moment that with his extraordinary gift, in conjunction with Mrs. Buxton he would allow himself to be led astray or deviate from the path of rectitude under any circumstances.
(Signed) J. Higginbottom.
Lees House, Norton Lees, Sheffield.
Proof from MRS. E. PICKUP, OF 40, WATERLOO ROAD, BURNLEY, LANCS.
(A strongly evidential case which describes how the sitter visited the Crewe Circle as an absolute stranger and without even an appointment, and secured a striking likeness of her deceased husband. (See Figs. 28 and 29.) Extract from an original letter to Mr. Hope.)
No words of mine can express my gratitude to you since receiving the photos this morning. The extra one is my dear husband, and just as I prayed he might come—an exact copy of the one I had at home and the one I liked best. Every detail is so clear and correct, even to the dimple in the chin. What could be more convincing, when I came to you an absolute stranger and without even an appointment?
That visit will remain imprinted on my memory as one of the brightest days in my life. I am sure after such evidence as this and the way in which you carried out your work, I need never suffer the pangs of loneliness again, because I believe that God has taken him to a higher sphere. He will still guide me and watch over me so long as I do my part by keeping in touch with God and His divine laws.
I don’t know that I could ask for anything more. My cup is full and overflowing. I trust that others who come to you may get as good results, that they, too, may know the joy and happiness it brings.
(Signed) E. Pickup.
From MRS. RISKER, LATE OF DARLASTON
(An excellent case, in which the sitter secured an undoubted likeness of her husband. A number of questions were submitted to Mrs. Risker, and her replies are given hereunder.)
I have great pleasure in answering the questions you ask.
Question No. 1.—If there is the slightest doubt concerning “extra”?
None whatever.
Question No. 2.—Whether Mr. Hope or any one connected with the Crewe Circle knew Mr. Risker before his death, or had seen any photograph of him prior to visiting Crewe for this sitting?
No. The first time I ever knew of Mr. Hope or the Crewe Circle was through an article written by Miss Stead in Nash’s Magazine during the latter part of 1916 (after my husband’s death, which occurred August 15th, 1916).
Question No. 3.—In what manner did I get into touch with Crewe Circle?
The article which Miss Stead wrote appealed to me, and knowing Miss Stead (by repute) to be a straightforward woman, the thought came, “Here apparently is a tangible proof of the after-life.” Thereupon I did not rest until I found out the address. Some weeks later, a lady from Runcorn who knew nothing of me gave me the address of Mr. Hope.
Since above I have paid six visits and have had nine results—seven “extras” and two “skotographs”; upon five visits I have taken my own plates from Darlaston.
(Signed) M. C. Risker.
Late of Bilston Street, Darlaston.