UK Wet Plate weekend

UK Wet Plate and Alternative Processes weekend 2025.

Guys Cliffe House, Warwick, August 8th-10th.

Once again, Guys Cliffe House and grounds has been booked for what has become an annual event for wet platers in the UK.

After a very successful event in 2024 it is hoped that 2025 will welcome back regulars and newcomers to the event.

The weekend starts on Friday 8th August and goes through till the Sunday 10th August. Both the grounds and the exterior of Guys Cliffe House are exclusively reserved for the use of participants. Camping is available for those who wish it (which is most people) but there is plenty of B&B and hotel accommodation locally.

A major attraction to most people is the social gathering and meeting with old friends and making new ones, especially in the evening when the camp fire is lit and the beer and wine flow. For those who prefer it there is a very popular riverside pub, the Saxon Mill, within a short walking distance. You can even wild swim there in the adjacent river! Nearby are the historic towns of Warwick and Kenilworth.

Kenilworth Castle is of particular interest as it is where Frederick Scott Archer took his original wet plate images.

Though this is primarily a gathering for wet plate collodion workers, last year we expanded the creative potential to allow people to try and show other photographic techniques. You are welcome to bring models, but no nude photography is allowed. We are also dog and children friendly.

If you prefer to work on large format film, cyanotype, salt or pinhole then you are welcome and encouraged. Basically we welcome any level of worker and even if you are a total beginner (as I was at my first event) or more advanced, there is a great deal to be gained from the experience of other workers, and from my experience there is no shortage of sharing of advice.

Cost will be £120 per person ( non participating partners, children and dogs are free).

For more information and details of booking please contact Ray by e-mail rayspence@gmx.com