Today we got an email through from Harman Technologies (Ilford) about this genius website they have started up. We present to you localdarkroom.com. Basically this is a database of darkrooms for hire and darkroom tuition available across the UK. Bear in mind this is in it’s early stages so there may be some missing, but over time this is going to grow in to a very useful website for all film users out there.
This is what Harman Technologies had to say about it:
HARMAN technology Limited, the home of ILFORD PHOTO, has provided a free to use website for the photographic community to search for darkrooms available anywhere in the world. Public and Community darkrooms are being encouraged to make a free listing of their location and facilities.
Professionals who teach darkroom techniques are also able to make an entry. The secure website will also accept registrations from Private darkroom owners who are willing to share their facilities.
If you are looking for a darkroom and there is none listed in the area you want you can place a ‘marker’ to indicate your interest. Doing so may prompt someone who had not registered to do so and get in touch or may bring groups of photographers together in a common quest.
The website can also be used to find a local darkroom when photographers travel around the world for work or pleasure.
The website provides anonymity to private darkroom owners who can list without revealing personal details. They can then choose to reveal their details in response to an email request to share, which is routed via the website without revealing their contact details.
The website was initiated following recent surveys by ILFORD PHOTO on social media networks, in which thousands of film users took part. The results confirmed the belief that there are many photographers using film that have no direct access to a darkroom, but would love to have one locally. HARMAN technology was convinced enough to finance the building of the new website for the photographic community to use worldwide.
Steven Brierley, Director of Sales and Marketing at HARMAN, said “The surveys told us 35% of our film users had no darkroom access and a high proportion of those with a personal darkroom might be willing to share. This gave us the confidence to go ahead and establish the website which provides a free community platform bringing all parties together. I would urge all who could be involved to visit the website and then support our new facility – it’s designed to help and support film users”.
Whether you have something to contribute to the site or whether you’re looking for a darkroom or tuition, go take a look – it’s a brilliant idea.
