Just a note to mention that sadly British black and white printer Mike Spry died on the 26th October, aged 79. While some will know his name, I’m sure most people will have seen his work. He printed for a wide range of clients over the years, including David Bailey and Terrence Donovan, but probably is best known for printing for Anton Corbijn, particularly his wonderful characteristic lith prints, which really defined Anton’s style. (Pretty sure Mike was the first to use Seagull Oriental in lith dev.)
I first heard of him in the mid 1980s when I started working in the darkroom for photographer John Blomfield. John began his career in the late 50s at the London lab, Gordon Bishop and Associates, the same time as Mike, so I often heard of what a great printer he was. I probably first met him 30 years ago at get togethers in London for us fraternity of printers. Always great evenings, often sponsored by our suppliers Process Supplies and Silverprint (as was), as well as Ilford Photo.
Mike opened his own lab, Downtown Darkroom in the early 70s, and spent several busy decades with his team, printing for almost everyone you could think of. As well as being known for his lith prints, he was also a specialist in large format prints, so I usually sent clients his way when requested for giant prints. I really now wish I had interviewed him to get a record and recollections from his career. He semi retired about ten years ago, but having built a darkroom in his garden, carried on printing for select clients till maybe five years ago.
HIs funeral was earlier this week and there was a huge attendance by his large family and many friends, plus of course us printers, to say goodbye to Mike. The attached photo from after an Ilford event a few years ago.
I first heard of him in the mid 1980s when I started working in the darkroom for photographer John Blomfield. John began his career in the late 50s at the London lab, Gordon Bishop and Associates, the same time as Mike, so I often heard of what a great printer he was. I probably first met him 30 years ago at get togethers in London for us fraternity of printers. Always great evenings, often sponsored by our suppliers Process Supplies and Silverprint (as was), as well as Ilford Photo.
Mike opened his own lab, Downtown Darkroom in the early 70s, and spent several busy decades with his team, printing for almost everyone you could think of. As well as being known for his lith prints, he was also a specialist in large format prints, so I usually sent clients his way when requested for giant prints. I really now wish I had interviewed him to get a record and recollections from his career. He semi retired about ten years ago, but having built a darkroom in his garden, carried on printing for select clients till maybe five years ago.
HIs funeral was earlier this week and there was a huge attendance by his large family and many friends, plus of course us printers, to say goodbye to Mike. The attached photo from after an Ilford event a few years ago.
