A room of one’s own

For many photographers a darkroom is more than just a space to process and print film – it’s a welcome sanctuary, a place where failure and mistakes are hidden from public view, the stress of modern life can be forgotten for a few hours, and modern-day alchemy is commonplace. Private darkrooms are rarely cavernous spaces; more often than not they are rooms ‘borrowed’ from the rest of the family: bathrooms, offices, garages, small outbuildings etc. Some photographers like to listen to music (often classical) in their darkrooms, while others prefer complete silence, and have a strictly ‘no admittance’ policy. Darkrooms are full of creative spirit and calm industriousness. To find out more, we asked four photographers (and passionate print makers) what makes their darkrooms unique.

Matt Walkley

‘I HAVE a spare room in my house that I utilise as a darkroom – it’s not huge, but it suits my needs. I have