I often get emails asking who I use for wet plate collodion chemistry, especially now that Wet Plate Supplies no longer trades.
In the UK we are very limited for premixed collodion suppliers. So here’s a blog post of who and where I currently source from.
Collodion: Buying plain collodion and ether has become very difficult in the UK, I recommend you find a reliable premixed supplier as its so much easier and a lot less hassle especially as some of the dry chems can be carcinogenic. But even that can be difficult in the UK. Previously Wet Plate Supplies would have been the main go to for all chemicals, prior to that John Brewer was the main supplier, he still does mix and you should be able to get hold of him via email.
The most recent reliable premix supplier is Gareth Jarvis at garethjarvis86@gmail.com in Penarth, South Wales. I’ve been using him for a number of years now. It’s always a good mix. and I’ve never had an issue and with quick delivery as well.
Varnish: Again, see my above comments for wet plate supplies. Gareth Jarvis is now my main supplier of shellac varnish. Although I do still use Renaissance Wax as a finish when needed. It’s up to you to decide what finish is best for your own needs, I’ll not open that can of worms here.
Developer: I mix my own. Iron Sulphate and Acetic Acid from Ebay usually. IDA (Industrial Denatured Alcohol) has become increasingly difficult to source. You still need a licence from HMRC to buy and use it. Finding a supplier can prove difficult. Some animal health companies keep stock, also double check its the right type of IDA.
I often add Potassium Nitrate to my dev recipe.
Fixer: I only buy Ilford Hypam from the cheapest supplier I can find as I use it for all photo processing fixing.
Glass: I still use Wessex Picture, they are a picture framing supplier and have a number of outlets in the UK. I use the one in Oldham. I buy packs of 12×16 inch and 7×9 inch 2mm glass. It works out a lot cheaper, and I just need to cut off a small ammount for my usual 12×15 inch and whole plate sizes.
Aluminium: I now buy my Trophy Aluminium from CSI Manufacturing, I buy the Gloss Black sheets at 1250mm x 500mm and if you ask nicely, you might get a discount. My last purchase in Sept 2023 of 10 full sheets worked out at £26.70 per sheet with VAT and delivery, saving me about £60 if I remember rightly.
If you are willing to pay the increased European postage, thanks to Brexshit, then there are a number of European suppliers. I used to use MAMUTPhoto, based near Prague. They sell all sorts for all processes and were my main supplier for a long while.
If you know of any other decent UK suppliers, do let me know. I am aware of some individuals who mix for a small number of others, I’ll not mention who they are but if you have a problem, if no one else can help you, and if you can find them…. ah, no hold on, thats the A-Team.
The ones I’ve mentioned above may be your best option