Wet Collodion Workshop

About

As the historic home of Julia Margaret Cameron, we are thrilled to offer a unique opportunity to experience the magic of the Wet Plate Collodion process. Join us as we step back in time and explore this captivating 19th-century photographic technique, the very one mastered by Cameron herself.

Award-winning photographer Dave Shrimpton (Portrait of Britain winner) will be your guide, demonstrating the
intricacies of wet plate collodion right here in the home of creative portraiture.
This is a chance not only to witness this
incredible process first hand, but also, time permitting, to be one of the sitters
for the wet plate collodion portraits, captured using the same methods employed by the
photographic pioneers.

March 15th Demo day: £99 pp

Time: 9:30am-5pm

During this fascinating demonstration, you will:

Explore the History: Delve into the rich history of wet plate collodion and examine original examples of this remarkable technique, understanding its impact on the world of photography.
Prioritise Safety: Health and safety briefing, covering all aspects of working with the chemicals and equipment involved.
Discover the Equipment: Get acquainted with the cameras and lenses used in the process, understanding their role in creating these unique images.
Witness Darkroom Magic: Observe the intricacies of mixing the chemistry and preparing the plates in the darkroom, including the crucial steps of pouring and sensitising.
Capture the Light: See how plates are loaded and exposed using natural window light, a technique favoured by Julia Margaret Cameron herself.
Explore Different Plates: Witness demonstrations using both glass ambrotype and tintype plates, showcasing the versatility of the process.
Observe Development: Watch the fascinating process of developing, fixing, and washing the plates, as the image emerges before your eyes.
The Finishing Touches: See how the plates are varnished, waxed, and finished to ensure they are archival and will last for generations.
March 16th Hands on Workshop: £295 pp

Time 9:30am-5pm

Spend the day creating beautiful portraits and still life in a way that only Wet Collodion can!

The workshop also includes:
History and original examples of this incredible 1850 Frederick Scott Archer process
Health/safety information and briefing
Introduction to my Wet-Plate studio cameras & lenses
Chemistry and darkroom tuition – pouring and sensitising your plates
Loading and exposing plates with both studio and natural light
Developing, fixing and washing your tintype and ambrotype plates
Varnishing/waxing and finishing your plates to make them archival for the next 150 years
Chemical maintenance and advice on how to start your own Wet Collodion journey
Prepare to be amazed as you step into the world of wet plate collodion and experience the alchemy of photography in the very place where it flourished in the 1860s.

Limited spaces available phone us on 01983 756814 to book now!