Swindon Photographic Society has just wrapped up its 125th season, marking a significant milestone in its history. The journey from its inception in 1898 to the present day highlights both dramatic technological shifts and enduring constants in the world of photography.
When SPS first opened its doors, photography was a labour-intensive process involving heavy wooden cameras and glass plates. The advent of celluloid roll film revolutionised the field, making photography more accessible to the masses.
Today, the digital age has brought another transformation, with nearly everyone carrying a camera in their pocket thanks to smartphones. Despite these changes, the core principles of photography remain unchanged: knowing where to point the camera and when to press the shutter.
Throughout its history, the Swindon Photographic Society, previously known as North Wilts Field and Camera Club, has continually adapted to new technologies, always intending to assist and encourage the enjoyment of photography. The club offers about ten meetings a month, which include a mix of on-location shoots, Zoom sessions, and in-person gatherings in the club room.
Thursday evening meetings are particularly popular, featuring visiting speakers, competitions judged by both guests and members, image battles with other clubs, and a variety of other activities designed to inspire and educate members.
One of the club’s most successful recent innovations is the introduction of Special Interest Groups (SIGs). These groups focus on specific types of photography, such as landscape, street, and portrait photography. Organised and run by the members themselves, SIGs offer practical sessions, reviews, location shoots, and other activities that cater to the interests of the participants. This initiative has fostered a collaborative environment where both experienced photographers and newcomers can learn from each other while enjoying a fun, social aspect of their hobby.
In celebration of its 125th anniversary, the Swindon Photographic Society is reaching out to past members and their families for any images or club-related information they might have. While the club has digital records going back around twenty years, it is particularly interested in older prints and the stories behind them.
A list of past members from the early 20th century:
1898:
- Mr W H Stanier
- Mr Seymour
- Mr Ainsworth
- F Shurlock
- G E Brown
- F Mason
- W R Bird
- T Leslie
- T C Davidson
Up to 1930:
- Miss Slade
- Miss Rowe
- S S Hallett
- S E Peckham
- F R Bickley
- H Pollard
- H S Shawyer
- F Redman
- H C Edmed
- Owen W F Thomas
- H C Todd
- W Holland
- S P Morris
- J B Miller
- F J Whitaker
- C F Hayball
- F J Cousin
- R G Hannington
- H Jones
- A E Nethercott
- W J Davison
- A Passmore
- W J Venning
- F Morris
- Mr H Day
- Rev Coulson
- Mr Bassett
- Mr Martin
- Miss Tallyn
- Mr Hallam
- Mr Jobson
- Mr Holmes
1930s:
- Mr Clifford
- Mr H R Richards
- Mr C Pendleton
- Canon Goddard
- Mr Venn
- Lady Currie
- Dr R P Beatty
- Mr G Pressey
- Mr A E Withy
- Miss Harris
- Miss Crowdy
- Miss Robinson
- Mr P Wilson
- Miss Boulton
- Miss Keith
- Mr E M Sparkes
- S E Angle
- H E Fening
- Mr C E Sandilands
- Mr R Smith
- L F Thompson
- G H Iles
- M A Willis
- M R Willis
For those who can contribute, the club would love to receive photographs of old prints along with any details about the images or their creators. This effort aims to honour and celebrate the contributions of past members and to create a richer picture of the society’s heritage.
For a list of some past members, please visit the results page on the SPS details HERE.
