This October half term visitors to Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire will have the chance to be a part of the Abbey’s creative history, celebrating the inventions of one of its most famous residents.
Born in 1800, William Henry Fox Talbot was a botanist, geologist, archaeologist and astronomist, but it is his photographic inventions that put his and Lacock’s name on the map. Now cared for by the National Trust, between the 17 and 30 October visitors to Lacock will be invited to find out more about it’s former resident, through a programme of photography themed activities.
In 1835 Fox Talbot had discovered through his experiments that negatives could be created and printed on photo sensitive paper, allowing images to be recreated time and time again. As part of his experiments, he left a series of small pinhole cameras around the house (nicknamed ‘Mousetrap Cameras’ by Constance Talbot, his wife), leaving them for days at a time until an image could be captured. One of these cameras, perched on a fireplace within the abbey, produced what has become known as the first ever photographic negative.
Between 17 and 30 October a ‘Discover the Negative’ family trail will explore Fox Talbot’s discoveries and influence and connect people with their memories of what photography might mean to them. In the Abbey, visitors will be able to see up close some of Lacock’s collection of historic cameras and equipment. On 25, 27, 29 and 30 October, families can have a go at creating their own negative prints to take home, using pinhole cameras and a pop-up darkroom. All family activities will be included in the cost of normal admission, with all photographic materials provided.
For adults wanting to learn a bit more in depth, the National Trust has collaborated with artist Justin Quinnell to run a series of pinhole camera workshops. These sessions run over 3 hours and participants will be able to build their own cameras and process images in Lacock’s onsite darkroom. These workshops are bookable for over 18s only and cost £8 a ticket. Visit Lacock’s website to find out how to book nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock.