Join CMAG and PhotoAccess for a hands-on workshop exploring how plastic revolutionised photography.

From the 1920s, advances in plastics technology paved the way for light, stylish, affordable and easy-to-use cameras. Suddenly able to carry their cameras everywhere, photographers responded with a dynamic new approach to image-making, one defined by surprising angles, candid moments and captured movement – some of it on the beach! Over four weeks, this extended workshop provides a unique opportunity to explore how mid-century plastic cameras enabled a liberated, do-it-yourself photographic practice.

Learn about different plastic cameras and their design through the CMAG exhibition Form Beyond Function: Nigel Lendon’s plastic cameras and then explore popular photography of the period, using some of the rare vintage cameras from Lendon’s collection. Create your own images, mix the chemistry used by sixties-era photographers and use it to develop your film and create darkroom prints with vintage papers. You will then be invited to display your work in an exclusive end-of-workshop exhibition.

Week one | CMAG

Sat 11 May: 1–4pm

• CMAG’s Senior Curator, Visual Arts, Virginia Rigney and artist and collector Nigel Lendon introduce the collection.
• PhotoAccess tutor Robert Agostino introduces the cameras, 1960s plastic camera photography, and everyone shoots with the cameras.

Week two | PhotoAccess

Sat 18 May, 1–4pm

• Robert introduces period film developing and everyone mixes their own chemistry and develops their images.

Week 3 | PhotoAccess

Sat 25 May: 1–4pm

• Robert introduces darkroom printing, and everyone uses vintage papers to create their own images.
• The workshop selects prints for the exhibition.

Week 4 | PhotoAccess

Sat 1 June: 1-4pm

• Preparation and installation of the exhibition.
• Evening opening event.

Image:
Woman with seagulls, 1969. Unknown. Type C photography. Collection of Robert Jackson