I had the pleasure of capturing the wonderful Charles & Malvina for this Golden age portrait session.
Charles Keller , born in Pécs Hungary in December 1936 (it was his birthday the day we did the photo session) He was the third born of 9 children. His father was an engineer and his mum a housemaid. Charles' childhood was very poor. He started working on farms at the age of 5 and later in a Uranium mine. He loved music but was unable to pursue his love due to the commitment he gave to his family.
At the age of 21 he decided he wanted a better life and emigrated to Australia in 1956. He was all alone leaving his family behind.
Charles met a beautiful young girl in Kandos in 1958 who became his wife and together they have 7 children, 8 grandchildren and soon to be 4 great grandchildren. Charles worked all over Australia installing power lines and finished his working life at Australia Cement.
Their built their home themselves, and it was a home full of love and pride and everyone was welcome.
Their gardens were used for weddings and featured in garden magazines.
65 years of marriage and their love for each other is still as beautiful as the day they first met, ill health and age has seen them both go into care, but they are still together and will remain so forever
Malvina Currie /Keller , born in Charbon in December 1942, she was the ninth born of 12 children. Malvinas father was a miner, and her mother was a very busy housewife and Mum.
Their childhood was very basic , often hunting rabbits for their dinner . There wasn’t much time to enjoy their childhood as there was always work to be done at home but fun was jumping in dams and catching cray dabs . In 1958 Malvina was a young 16 year old working in a cafe in Kandos when a gorgeous young Hungarian came into the cafe and caught her eye, The communication barrier was not going to stop this young love, and they became parents to their first daughter in 1959.
They married in 1960 followed by another 6 children in very close concession.
Sadly, due to the rush to officially marry/ expense they didn't have anyone to take any photos. So have no record of their special day.
Malvina (Mally) worked very hard as her husband Charles worked away bringing up the children. She later worked as a brilliant Chinese cook, cleaner, and was always knitting for her children and cooking meals for family and many friends.
Their home was their castle, with endless hours being put into renovations and spectacular gardens often used for weddings and articles in the local paper. They travelled a lot within Australia and enjoyed family being together. After 60 years of living in the same town Mally and Charles eventually sold their beloved home and moved to the central coast.
Their lives have been full of moments they will cherish forever and even now, their love for each other and their family is something beautiful to witness.
They both reside in a care facility where they spend their days together as they have always done.
Sadly, their son Micheal passed away in 2019. The Teddy bear in the photos was made in his memory.
