Darkroom/silver gelatin print clubs/societies/meet-ups (london/UK)

[Mike Skelton]

I am wondering if there are any clubs or societies out there where the focus is on darkroom work.
Yes, there are many camera clubs but I am really focusing on those of us who have a passion for B&W printing.
I love working in the darkroom producing silver gelatin prints and think it would be brilliant to meet up with others who share these passions to discuss, show prints, share techniques etc over a cup of tea.
After many searches on forums and search engines, I cannot seem to find anything like this out there.
Does anyone know of such a club? If not, is anyone up for forming one? probably london or somewhere central to those who would be interested.

 

[MattKing]

I would ask as well over on FADU: https://www.film-and-darkroom-user.org.uk/forum/fadu_front_page.php

 

[Ian Grant]

Check out Photofusion in Brixton, they have community darkrooms and a gallery, I've exhibited there. LIP (London Independent Photographers) has I think morphed into something else, they had many darkroom workers. Maybe clubs are the wrong approach as they are usually affiliated to the PAGB and almost 100% digital, but there are collective darkrooms. Have a look at Ilford's Local Darkroom scheme, there may be something near you.

Over the past maybe 15 years I've given talks to various monochrome groups like The East Midlands Monochrome Group, North Yorks Monochrome. Cotswold Monochrome, etc. but while I've only shown analog work almost every member is 100% digital.

You would be better joining a Facebook group like UK Film Photography, and ask there.

Ian

 

[Mike Skelton]

I would ask as well over on FADU: https://www.film-and-darkroom-user.org.uk/forum/fadu_front_page.php

Thanks Matt. I will be sure to ask over there too.

 

[Alan Johnson]

The Camera Club

The Camera Club is one of the longest running photographic societies in the world, and we celebrated our 140th anniversary in 2025.

www.thecameraclub.co.uk

Facilities->Darkrooms
Groups->EXP group
About us ->Membership ->Call 11-9 most days to arrange a no commitment look around.

 

[Mike Skelton]

Check out Photofusion in Brixton, they have community darkrooms and a gallery, I've exhibited there. LIP (London Independent Photographers) has I think morphed into something else, they had many darkroom workers. Maybe clubs are the wrong approach as they are usually affiliated to the PAGB and almost 100% digital, but there are collective darkrooms. Have a look at Ilford's Local Darkroom scheme, there may be something near you.

Over the past maybe 15 years I've given talks to various monochrome groups like The East Midlands Monochrome Group, North Yorks Monochrome. Cotswold Monochrome, etc. but while I've only shown analog work almost every member is 100% digital.

You would be better joining a Facebook group like UK Film Photography, and ask there.

Ian

Hi Ian,

Thanks for your suggestions. I'll check them out.
Yes the main reason I have avoided camera clubs is im not at all interested in digital photography and almost all of these clubs seem to be focused on that. I know that there are also many great online platforms such as this one but what I am really looking for is more of a community of analogue photographers and darkroom users that socialise in person rather than online. I'm not on any social media etc but thanks for the tips

Kind regards,

Mike

 

[Mike Skelton]

The Camera Club

The Camera Club is one of the longest running photographic societies in the world, and we celebrated our 140th anniversary in 2025.

www.thecameraclub.co.uk

Facilities->Darkrooms
Groups->EXP group
About us ->Membership ->Call 11-9 most days to arrange a no commitment look around.

Alan,

This looks good! Will look into it thank you

 

[pentaxuser]

Thanks Matt. I will be sure to ask over there too.

That's a good suggestion by Matt. As a member there what I can say is that FADU is dedicated to what it says, namely Film and Darkroom Users We are spread all over the U.K. and with members in Europe and the odd one or two from "downunder" and across the Atlantic but "meets" for a couple of days over a weekend do take place occasionally at venues in various regions in the U.K.

pentaxuser