A practical workshop with artist Hannah Fletcher and artist and curator Melanie King as they explore alternative approaches to making work. Suitable for those interested in developing their own practice through an environmental lens.

The Sustainable Darkroom is a research, training and mutual learning programme, to equip cultural practitioners with new skills and knowledge to develop an environmentally friendly photographic darkroom practice.

Initiated in 2019 by Hannah Fletcher, the project intends to lead a movement in challenging the environmental impact and sustainability of darkroom practices. Taking its form in publications, residencies, workshops, talks, symposiums and training sessions.

This workshop will provide you with the essentials of what you need to know to make plant-based photographic developer for chemigrams. Hannah Fletcher / Melanie King will guide you through a range of techniques using your plant-based chemistry to manipulate the surface of the photographic material. She will demonstrate the use of various household materials and non-toxic chemicals that can be used to create resists and for mark making.

Throughout the workshop, the participant will be encouraged to consider where all of the materials have come from and where they are going next, discussing material value and impact.

Essential materials:

• weighing scales
• 5 grams Vitamin c (ascorbic acid) – powdered is best, but if you can’t get hold of it, then tablets will also work50 grams Washing Soda (otherwise known as Sodium Carbonate or
• Soda Crystals)
• A splash of photographic fixer
• 200 grams of salt
• 5 x Trays (old Tupperwares can also be used, but make sure you don’t use them for food after)
• a pair of gloves or tongs
• A spoon or stick for mixing
• 50 grams of plant matter chopped up + 500 ml of boiling water poured over it and left to stew in a jar over night prior to starting the workshop
• Silver Gelatine or colour photographic paper (old, expired or fogged works just as well)

Additional Materials*:
*gather any of these materials that you can find around your house, there is no need to have them all, but a selection of things from the list or other things you find to experiment with during the workshop will be good.

Resists:

• Tapes
• Glues
• varnish
• Flour paste
• syrups
• jams
• spreads
• Clay
• wax

Natural / alternative chemicals:

• syrups
• oils
• jams
• spreads
• vinegars
• natural dyes
• juices
• Wine
• Clay
• Earth
• Urine
• blood
• sea water
• any household ingredients

Methods of application:

• Paint brushes
• sponges
• rags
• hands (gloved)
• spatulas
• breath (blow through straw for more control)
• plants / twigs
• spray bottle
• stamps

Joining instructions for how to join this workshop on 3 October will be announced closer to the event. Please check back or keep an eye on our social media channels.

Please note these events will be recorded for our archive. So if you wish to remain anonymous please turn your camera off.