Judy and John Roland have lived a varied life, often working and living in remote corners of the world. Now they have settled in Gwent and have set up a firm restoring antique prints and heirlooms. Helen Roberts talked to them

FROM business premises at Craft Renaissance, Kemys Commander, near Usk, Judy and John Roland rescue works of art which would otherwise be lost forever.

The couple have combined their many and varied talents to set up Heritage Hall, a company which digitally restores and researches ancient prints from antiquarian books often destined for junk shops.

"All our interests came together and we still have lots of energy," said 55-year-old Mrs Roland, who in a previous incarnation was managing director of the successful clothing chain, Anokhi.

She is also a professional writer and is in charge of the acquisition, research and writing for the collections.

She said: "We've found fantastic little works of art - engravings, aquatints, and mezzotints by world-famous European and American artists virtually rotting away in junk shops.

"We've bought vandalised books containing illustrations so rare that the only other copies are in museums."

The Rolands then use the latest digital technology to restore the prints to their former glory and sell them on.

Mr Roland, aged 59, is regarded as one of the country's foremost digital media experts, having served at board level in organisations such as BAFTA.

He views the business as a marriage of past interests and the most modern technology available.

"We couldn't have attempted it 18 months ago. The changes in inkjet papers and inks have all added to the finesse of the final product."

The high-quality restored prints are on sale via Heritage Hall's website, but the couple are also actively involved in projects for museums.

In recent months they have produced a special box set of Rolls-Royce memorabilia for Monmouth Museum in celebration of the 100th anniversary.

The couple digitally restored old photographs, then researched and wrote a piece to go with them in an anniversary box set.

Heritage Hall trades worldwide and can restore original prints that have been affected by light and damp. They can also secure family heirlooms such as photographs and letters for future generations.

It is the putting-something- back aspect of Heritage Hall's work that the couple relish.

The profits are ploughed back into the continuing rescue of old books, illustrations, photos and vintage advertisements.

Mrs Roland said: "We're at an age where we've been in business and we're not trying to rule the world."

For more information visit www.heritage-hall.com