Blasts from the Past: Photographic Societies

Towards the end of last term, Annebella Pollen, Professor of Visual and Material Culture at University of Brighton, visited the school archive as she is researching the history of photography by children, and the history of photography in schools. King’s first had a Photographic Society in the nineteenth century, run by the then Science Master, F.R. Carrodus. One flourished again in the 1950s, becoming one of the school’s Monday Afternoon Activities. There is a collection of photographs in the archive which are believed to be the work of this group, although no photographers are credited. Several are of locations in and around Battersea, some are of the CCF, whilst another shows a production with Frankie Howard! Other than a few references in school magazines, there is little in the archive to provide any information about photography at King’s.

Were you a member of the Photographic Society? Did you take photographs as a Monday Afternoon Activity? Did you undertake Photography for O Level, GCSE or the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme? Would you be happy to share your memories and experiences with a researcher? If so, please do get in touch – as ever, I can be contacted at archive@kcs.org.uk.

Dr Pollen’s research, funded by the Leverhulme Trust, will form the basis for a new book and exhibition. If you would like to participate in this research by sharing your stories and perspectives, or even your photographs, please feel free to contact her directly at a.pollen@brighton.ac.uk. All input will be gratefully received!

Lucy Inglis | School Archivist