Here at East Street Arts’ Patrick Studios we have darkroom facilities. These are available to be used by East Street Art members.

We have a small dark room available for use by members, free of charge, and it’s currently being updating with some extra bits and pieces so that it caters to your photography needs. With three enlargers and basic equipment it offers a great opportunity to ‘develop’ your photographic skills!

It has not always been greatest of experiences using the darkroom in the past, but now with Martha and Chris taking the reins we are sure users will find it a far more pleasant environment to work in and we are really keen to see as many people using it as possible.

For members who wish to use the dark room, Martha will organise an induction with you and allocate you a small cupboard space, so send her an email at cherrykinocinema@yahoo.com.

For members who already use the dark room, please note this changed system, and Martha will be in touch shortly about making sure you know which cupboard space is yours.

Since we are researching various bits and pieces to buy for the dark room, please also let Martha know if there is anything you think would be useful to have in there by sending an email to cherrykinocinema@yahoo.com

So there are a few things to pass on to prospective users…

Guidelines on darkroom use at Patrick Studios

In the past we used a time slot allocation system, but we’ve decided to try something different in 2012. This means that the dark room will now be run on an open basis. There will be a log-in book where all dark room users will be required to log-in and log-out before and after every session. There will be some days when the dark room will not be available due to group bookings, and a monthly email will be sent out to let you know which dates are booked.

There is one thing and one thing only which determines whether this system will work or not – and that is you! In order for it to work beautifully, we need for each and every one of you to treat the darkroom and its resources with the utmost respect. That means:

1.    Tidying up after every use by emptying the bin of your rubbish.
2.    Mopping the floor immediately or washing the surfaces if you spill any chemicals (this is a serious health and safety precaution).
3.    Turning off all electrical switches and lights when you leave.
4.    Keeping your chemicals and papers in your allocated cupboard space.
5.    Not leaving anything at all out in the dark room so that the room is clean, clear and ready for the next person.
6.    Not leaving your things in the dark room and going off for lunch etc!

With an open system, there is always the risk that two people might turn up at the same time to use the space. We know you’re all good people and can work these things out amongst yourselves, but perhaps if there is difficulty in coming to a solution, the basic protocol is:

1.    The first person in the dark room has right of way. If somebody else turns up while you are in the dark room, aim to vacate it for them to use within 90 minutes, so that you both get a chance to use the space.

Following the basic principles outlined above, we can all have a brilliant and creative time in ESA’s dark room!

Although we trust you will all adhere to these principles, nevertheless we should say that if the dark room is persistently disrespected we will have to curtail its use, and ask those responsible for treating it badly to refrain from using it in future. But we’re sure it won’t need to come to that point!

The log-in book will be in the space from 1st February, which is when this new system will come into operation. Current availability for February (Red days are booked up!).