dotnet works ltd, a Pembrokeshire based internet development company has developed a website and a range of multimedia tools for The National Library of Wales.  The work carried out by dotnet works captures the spirit and determination of Wales and the Welsh during the Second World War and brings the photography of Geoff Charles to life. Geoff Charles was a newspaper photographer who dedicated 50 years of his life to portraying Wales through the lens of his camera. With images now available on the internet, this dramatic archive of photos can be explored.

Geoff Charles (1909–2002) was a newspaper photographer who devoted 50 years of his life to capturing Wales and the Welsh way of life on film. His contribution to Wales is unique, and today his archive of 120,000 photographs is one of the treasures of The National Library of Wales.

dotnet works ltd has developed a website to publish 6,500 of the images taken by Geoff Charles in Wales and the English border region during the Second World War. The images selected for the new website demonstrate the spirit and determination of Wales and the Welsh. The website provides a permanent reminder of the war effort on the home front and captures a vanished way of life. Visitors to the website can search for specific themes and have an opportunity to share memories, stories and experiences. Working with dotnet works has ensured that important issues such as commemoration, conflict and citizenship can be better understood and a link to the Welsh past, not forgotten.

The dotnet works team also created interactive activities based on the photographs that are both educational and fun and show the full impact of the war on Wales. Using web and flash technology, everyday scenes are transformed into engaging mini-dramas, so that all age groups can see the real strength and resolve of ordinary people during the war. 

Sian Davies, Project Officer for the Geoff Charles website commented; “dotnet works ltd were easy to work with, flexible and reliable, and always responded promptly to our requests. Together, we have produced a website we are extremely proud of, one that will be an invaluable resource for authors, historians, students and the people of Wales and beyond. Our website provides a worldwide audience with easy access to images that capture the spirit and determination of Wales and the Welsh during the Second World War.”

“dotnet works is delighted to work with The National Library on this important historical project to widen access to these valuable records and images,” said Chris Allman, senior programmer at dotnet works ltd. “This is just the sort of project we really relish. We can bring our technical and design skills to bear on an educationally and culturally exciting project that has a clear benefit for our client and the community”.

The Geoff Charles website can be seen at http://geoffcharles.llgc.org.uk or by following the links from http://www.dotnetworks.co.uk.