Tony Richards
@tonyrichards.bsky.social
Senior Photographer at the John Rylands Research Institute and Library. Practitioner of historic photographic processes.
Photographer - Collector - Experimenter
https://linktr.ee/tony.richards
Photographer - Collector - Experimenter
https://linktr.ee/tony.richards
A bit of fun from the last couple of Saturdays. 12x15 inch paper negatives, using the new to me Process camera, at Spinners Mill Open Day and Open Studios.
#papernegatives #darkroom #analoguephotography #ilfordphoto
#papernegatives #darkroom #analoguephotography #ilfordphoto
November 2, 2025 at 7:05 PM
A bit of fun from the last couple of Saturdays. 12x15 inch paper negatives, using the new to me Process camera, at Spinners Mill Open Day and Open Studios.
#papernegatives #darkroom #analoguephotography #ilfordphoto
#papernegatives #darkroom #analoguephotography #ilfordphoto
The Nights Are Drawing In exhibition is open Thurs, Fri and Sat 10-4 until 6th November.
I'll be invigilating on Friday and available to assist with sales and questions about the many talented artists on show.
This is my toned cyanotype "Sun Print" submission.
#exhibition #cyanotype #sunprint
I'll be invigilating on Friday and available to assist with sales and questions about the many talented artists on show.
This is my toned cyanotype "Sun Print" submission.
#exhibition #cyanotype #sunprint
October 22, 2025 at 7:09 AM
The Nights Are Drawing In exhibition is open Thurs, Fri and Sat 10-4 until 6th November.
I'll be invigilating on Friday and available to assist with sales and questions about the many talented artists on show.
This is my toned cyanotype "Sun Print" submission.
#exhibition #cyanotype #sunprint
I'll be invigilating on Friday and available to assist with sales and questions about the many talented artists on show.
This is my toned cyanotype "Sun Print" submission.
#exhibition #cyanotype #sunprint
Our tintype popup studio at The Rustic Stomp Festival. So hot but had a great time.
#tintype #wetplatecollodion #therusticstomp ##analoguephotography
fourtoes.co.uk/iblog/the-ru...
#tintype #wetplatecollodion #therusticstomp ##analoguephotography
fourtoes.co.uk/iblog/the-ru...
The Rustic Stomp Festival 2025 - FOURTOES
Blog post about our popup tintype studio at the Rustic Stomp Festival 2025
fourtoes.co.uk
July 14, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Our tintype popup studio at The Rustic Stomp Festival. So hot but had a great time.
#tintype #wetplatecollodion #therusticstomp ##analoguephotography
fourtoes.co.uk/iblog/the-ru...
#tintype #wetplatecollodion #therusticstomp ##analoguephotography
fourtoes.co.uk/iblog/the-ru...
Reposted by Tony Richards
Our July Newsletter is now available via the link in our profile.
Including an illustrated report by Caitlin Greenwood of The Museum of North Craven Life about our recent visit to @tonyrichards.bsky.social wet plate photography studio
Including an illustrated report by Caitlin Greenwood of The Museum of North Craven Life about our recent visit to @tonyrichards.bsky.social wet plate photography studio
July 2, 2025 at 7:12 AM
Our July Newsletter is now available via the link in our profile.
Including an illustrated report by Caitlin Greenwood of The Museum of North Craven Life about our recent visit to @tonyrichards.bsky.social wet plate photography studio
Including an illustrated report by Caitlin Greenwood of The Museum of North Craven Life about our recent visit to @tonyrichards.bsky.social wet plate photography studio
My studio is back to normal.
Developer, Fixer & Collodion mixed.
A tintype test. I just need to filter the silver and I'm ready for the demo and talk at Wigan Photographic Society on Tuesday.
#wetplate #wetplatecollodion #analoguephotography #darkroom #historyofphotography #tintype #ambrotype
Developer, Fixer & Collodion mixed.
A tintype test. I just need to filter the silver and I'm ready for the demo and talk at Wigan Photographic Society on Tuesday.
#wetplate #wetplatecollodion #analoguephotography #darkroom #historyofphotography #tintype #ambrotype
June 8, 2025 at 5:19 PM
My studio is back to normal.
Developer, Fixer & Collodion mixed.
A tintype test. I just need to filter the silver and I'm ready for the demo and talk at Wigan Photographic Society on Tuesday.
#wetplate #wetplatecollodion #analoguephotography #darkroom #historyofphotography #tintype #ambrotype
Developer, Fixer & Collodion mixed.
A tintype test. I just need to filter the silver and I'm ready for the demo and talk at Wigan Photographic Society on Tuesday.
#wetplate #wetplatecollodion #analoguephotography #darkroom #historyofphotography #tintype #ambrotype
Perfect light for the camera obscura this morning. Fingers crossed for good weather tomorrow for the Centenary Open Day @leighspinnersmill #largeformat #alternativeprocess #cameraobscura #leighspinnersmill
June 6, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Perfect light for the camera obscura this morning. Fingers crossed for good weather tomorrow for the Centenary Open Day @leighspinnersmill #largeformat #alternativeprocess #cameraobscura #leighspinnersmill
I'll be turning my studio into a Camera Obscura for the mills Centenary Open Day on the 7th June
Here are a couple of tests, it really does rely on a bright day, so fingers crossed the sun returns. Although I do like those clouds.
#cameraobscura #analoguephotography #historyofphotography #optics
Here are a couple of tests, it really does rely on a bright day, so fingers crossed the sun returns. Although I do like those clouds.
#cameraobscura #analoguephotography #historyofphotography #optics
May 26, 2025 at 5:08 PM
I'll be turning my studio into a Camera Obscura for the mills Centenary Open Day on the 7th June
Here are a couple of tests, it really does rely on a bright day, so fingers crossed the sun returns. Although I do like those clouds.
#cameraobscura #analoguephotography #historyofphotography #optics
Here are a couple of tests, it really does rely on a bright day, so fingers crossed the sun returns. Although I do like those clouds.
#cameraobscura #analoguephotography #historyofphotography #optics
I thought I'd give Caffenol processing a go today after putting it off for many years.
I'll have to give it another go.
More info and thoughts over on my blog.
#alternateprocess #caffenol #analoguephotography
I'll have to give it another go.
More info and thoughts over on my blog.
#alternateprocess #caffenol #analoguephotography
May 10, 2025 at 9:04 PM
I thought I'd give Caffenol processing a go today after putting it off for many years.
I'll have to give it another go.
More info and thoughts over on my blog.
#alternateprocess #caffenol #analoguephotography
I'll have to give it another go.
More info and thoughts over on my blog.
#alternateprocess #caffenol #analoguephotography
Reposted by Tony Richards
New event just added to our 2025 Programme.
A Collodion Studio visit hosted by @tonyrichards.bsky.social at Spinners Mill, Leigh on Saturday 21st June 2025 (1045-1600).
Places free but limited. Book via link in bio.
A Collodion Studio visit hosted by @tonyrichards.bsky.social at Spinners Mill, Leigh on Saturday 21st June 2025 (1045-1600).
Places free but limited. Book via link in bio.
April 22, 2025 at 6:33 AM
New event just added to our 2025 Programme.
A Collodion Studio visit hosted by @tonyrichards.bsky.social at Spinners Mill, Leigh on Saturday 21st June 2025 (1045-1600).
Places free but limited. Book via link in bio.
A Collodion Studio visit hosted by @tonyrichards.bsky.social at Spinners Mill, Leigh on Saturday 21st June 2025 (1045-1600).
Places free but limited. Book via link in bio.
#Cyanotypes from 5x4 inch Foma film pinhole negatives.
30 minute exposures with the paper I coated yesterday.
1 Just out of the contact print frame (picture frame).
2 Cyanotype only.
3 Toned with hot instant coffee (2 teaspoons).
4 Toned with cold Yorkshire tea. (4 bags).
#alternativeprocess
30 minute exposures with the paper I coated yesterday.
1 Just out of the contact print frame (picture frame).
2 Cyanotype only.
3 Toned with hot instant coffee (2 teaspoons).
4 Toned with cold Yorkshire tea. (4 bags).
#alternativeprocess
April 20, 2025 at 4:54 PM
#Cyanotypes from 5x4 inch Foma film pinhole negatives.
30 minute exposures with the paper I coated yesterday.
1 Just out of the contact print frame (picture frame).
2 Cyanotype only.
3 Toned with hot instant coffee (2 teaspoons).
4 Toned with cold Yorkshire tea. (4 bags).
#alternativeprocess
30 minute exposures with the paper I coated yesterday.
1 Just out of the contact print frame (picture frame).
2 Cyanotype only.
3 Toned with hot instant coffee (2 teaspoons).
4 Toned with cold Yorkshire tea. (4 bags).
#alternativeprocess
We had a wonderful Open Day at Leigh Spinners Mill this Saturday. Thanks to everyone who called into my studio to see what I do and chat photography. In the brief, quieter moments, I was able to take time to show visitors some contact printing.
The next one is our Centenary event on the 7th June.
The next one is our Centenary event on the 7th June.
April 7, 2025 at 6:06 AM
We had a wonderful Open Day at Leigh Spinners Mill this Saturday. Thanks to everyone who called into my studio to see what I do and chat photography. In the brief, quieter moments, I was able to take time to show visitors some contact printing.
The next one is our Centenary event on the 7th June.
The next one is our Centenary event on the 7th June.
Mixed some Van Dyke Brown chems today, not done any in a long while. Cropped from 12x15 inch glass plates.
#alternativephoto #largeformat #darkroom #vandykebrown
#alternativephoto #largeformat #darkroom #vandykebrown
March 29, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Mixed some Van Dyke Brown chems today, not done any in a long while. Cropped from 12x15 inch glass plates.
#alternativephoto #largeformat #darkroom #vandykebrown
#alternativephoto #largeformat #darkroom #vandykebrown
A lovely workshop yesterday with @orrin.pierre and @elyssaiona, who both produced some great tintypes and ambrotypes.
Good to meet you both, and well done on producing some great images.
#wetplatecollodion #wetplateworkshop #analoguephotography
#tintype #ambrotype #victorianphotography
Good to meet you both, and well done on producing some great images.
#wetplatecollodion #wetplateworkshop #analoguephotography
#tintype #ambrotype #victorianphotography
March 8, 2025 at 3:51 PM
A lovely workshop yesterday with @orrin.pierre and @elyssaiona, who both produced some great tintypes and ambrotypes.
Good to meet you both, and well done on producing some great images.
#wetplatecollodion #wetplateworkshop #analoguephotography
#tintype #ambrotype #victorianphotography
Good to meet you both, and well done on producing some great images.
#wetplatecollodion #wetplateworkshop #analoguephotography
#tintype #ambrotype #victorianphotography
A revamped rusty and mouldy Coronet camera. It still works before anyone tells me off. :)
More info over on my blog.
#analoguephotography #filmphotography ##ilfordhp5 #coronetcamera
More info over on my blog.
#analoguephotography #filmphotography ##ilfordhp5 #coronetcamera
February 17, 2025 at 8:03 PM
A revamped rusty and mouldy Coronet camera. It still works before anyone tells me off. :)
More info over on my blog.
#analoguephotography #filmphotography ##ilfordhp5 #coronetcamera
More info over on my blog.
#analoguephotography #filmphotography ##ilfordhp5 #coronetcamera
Reposted by Tony Richards
www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/Job/JobDetai...
The John Rylands Library is looking for a new Head of Collections. Please do share widely. I'd like a good boss 😁 @historyhannahb.bsky.social @janeydonald.bsky.social @bronterre1.bsky.social
The John Rylands Library is looking for a new Head of Collections. Please do share widely. I'd like a good boss 😁 @historyhannahb.bsky.social @janeydonald.bsky.social @bronterre1.bsky.social
Head of Collections, Teaching and Research:John Rylands Library
www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk
February 3, 2025 at 11:32 AM
www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/Job/JobDetai...
The John Rylands Library is looking for a new Head of Collections. Please do share widely. I'd like a good boss 😁 @historyhannahb.bsky.social @janeydonald.bsky.social @bronterre1.bsky.social
The John Rylands Library is looking for a new Head of Collections. Please do share widely. I'd like a good boss 😁 @historyhannahb.bsky.social @janeydonald.bsky.social @bronterre1.bsky.social
Lovely wet plate collodion workshop with Gareth today. Worked his way up from quarter plate to some great whole plate tintypes and ambrotypes. Even the one of yours truly.
#wetplateworkshop
#wetplatecollodion
#tintype #ambrotype #analoguephotography #victorianphotography #darkroom
#wetplateworkshop
#wetplatecollodion
#tintype #ambrotype #analoguephotography #victorianphotography #darkroom
February 1, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Lovely wet plate collodion workshop with Gareth today. Worked his way up from quarter plate to some great whole plate tintypes and ambrotypes. Even the one of yours truly.
#wetplateworkshop
#wetplatecollodion
#tintype #ambrotype #analoguephotography #victorianphotography #darkroom
#wetplateworkshop
#wetplatecollodion
#tintype #ambrotype #analoguephotography #victorianphotography #darkroom
Underdeveloped 35mm negatives that were so thin I didn't given them a second glance in 2022 until now.
Printed on Ilford Matt Classic FB at Grade 5. Yes, Grade 5.
I was really surprised by the tonality and detail. Not the most interesting of pics, but I might Bromoil them to see how they look.
Printed on Ilford Matt Classic FB at Grade 5. Yes, Grade 5.
I was really surprised by the tonality and detail. Not the most interesting of pics, but I might Bromoil them to see how they look.
January 19, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Underdeveloped 35mm negatives that were so thin I didn't given them a second glance in 2022 until now.
Printed on Ilford Matt Classic FB at Grade 5. Yes, Grade 5.
I was really surprised by the tonality and detail. Not the most interesting of pics, but I might Bromoil them to see how they look.
Printed on Ilford Matt Classic FB at Grade 5. Yes, Grade 5.
I was really surprised by the tonality and detail. Not the most interesting of pics, but I might Bromoil them to see how they look.
I had a very interesting workshop with @saradominici.bsky.social yesterday.
She raised a number of theoretical and hypothetical questions related to darkroom practice.
Such as what does a plate look like over time if its developed, washed NOT fixed but varnished. I had no idea. Let's find out.
She raised a number of theoretical and hypothetical questions related to darkroom practice.
Such as what does a plate look like over time if its developed, washed NOT fixed but varnished. I had no idea. Let's find out.
January 11, 2025 at 5:00 PM
I had a very interesting workshop with @saradominici.bsky.social yesterday.
She raised a number of theoretical and hypothetical questions related to darkroom practice.
Such as what does a plate look like over time if its developed, washed NOT fixed but varnished. I had no idea. Let's find out.
She raised a number of theoretical and hypothetical questions related to darkroom practice.
Such as what does a plate look like over time if its developed, washed NOT fixed but varnished. I had no idea. Let's find out.
Thank you, Lour, for booking a tintype portrait session via Eventbrite @spinnersmillleigh Winter Open Day. It was lovely to meet you, and I hope you are happy with your plates.
Sometimes, the first plate is always the best.
#tintype #wetplate
#analoguephotography
#victorianphotography #darkroom
Sometimes, the first plate is always the best.
#tintype #wetplate
#analoguephotography
#victorianphotography #darkroom
November 30, 2024 at 6:41 PM
Thank you, Lour, for booking a tintype portrait session via Eventbrite @spinnersmillleigh Winter Open Day. It was lovely to meet you, and I hope you are happy with your plates.
Sometimes, the first plate is always the best.
#tintype #wetplate
#analoguephotography
#victorianphotography #darkroom
Sometimes, the first plate is always the best.
#tintype #wetplate
#analoguephotography
#victorianphotography #darkroom
Who says you can't smile with wet plate photography? Granted, this is with a large ammount of flash photography. I usually use and prefer daylight, but with winter coming, I thought I'd give flash a try.
Full power, one pop at F4
#tintype #wetplate #victorianphotography #analoguephotography
Full power, one pop at F4
#tintype #wetplate #victorianphotography #analoguephotography
November 24, 2024 at 8:45 AM
Who says you can't smile with wet plate photography? Granted, this is with a large ammount of flash photography. I usually use and prefer daylight, but with winter coming, I thought I'd give flash a try.
Full power, one pop at F4
#tintype #wetplate #victorianphotography #analoguephotography
Full power, one pop at F4
#tintype #wetplate #victorianphotography #analoguephotography
A little blog post about this ORWO Universal paper I've been trying to Bromoil. It shows promise, just needs some fine tuning.
#bromoil #bromoilprocess #analoguephotography #darkroom #orwouniversal
fourtoes.co.uk/iblog/bromoi...
#bromoil #bromoilprocess #analoguephotography #darkroom #orwouniversal
fourtoes.co.uk/iblog/bromoi...
Bromoil - ORWO BN118 - FOURTOES
I continue to search for a stock of older photo paper that is still useable and also suitable for Bromoil. When that fails or if I’m successful and eventually runout, then I will travel down the liqui...
fourtoes.co.uk
November 22, 2024 at 10:10 AM
A little blog post about this ORWO Universal paper I've been trying to Bromoil. It shows promise, just needs some fine tuning.
#bromoil #bromoilprocess #analoguephotography #darkroom #orwouniversal
fourtoes.co.uk/iblog/bromoi...
#bromoil #bromoilprocess #analoguephotography #darkroom #orwouniversal
fourtoes.co.uk/iblog/bromoi...
As part of our Open Studios Day I'm offering a number of Tintype Portraits bookable via Eventbrite.
If you don't fancy having your likeness captured, just call in for a brew and a chat. There's lots going on at Leigh Spinners Mill 30 November 2024 10-1700
#tintype
www.eventbrite.com/e/tintype-po...
If you don't fancy having your likeness captured, just call in for a brew and a chat. There's lots going on at Leigh Spinners Mill 30 November 2024 10-1700
#tintype
www.eventbrite.com/e/tintype-po...
Tintype Portraits
Have your portrait captured as a tintype, using the Victorian wet plate collodion process with a mahogany camera and brass lens.
www.eventbrite.com
November 18, 2024 at 2:53 PM
As part of our Open Studios Day I'm offering a number of Tintype Portraits bookable via Eventbrite.
If you don't fancy having your likeness captured, just call in for a brew and a chat. There's lots going on at Leigh Spinners Mill 30 November 2024 10-1700
#tintype
www.eventbrite.com/e/tintype-po...
If you don't fancy having your likeness captured, just call in for a brew and a chat. There's lots going on at Leigh Spinners Mill 30 November 2024 10-1700
#tintype
www.eventbrite.com/e/tintype-po...
I've been testing a paper for Bromoil suitability of late, mainly because quite a bit has been offered to me for sale.
This matrix has been superheated prior to the soak before inking.
I'm happily surprised at its inking and handling of the lost shadow details.
#bromoil #analoguephotography
This matrix has been superheated prior to the soak before inking.
I'm happily surprised at its inking and handling of the lost shadow details.
#bromoil #analoguephotography
November 13, 2024 at 2:09 PM
I've been testing a paper for Bromoil suitability of late, mainly because quite a bit has been offered to me for sale.
This matrix has been superheated prior to the soak before inking.
I'm happily surprised at its inking and handling of the lost shadow details.
#bromoil #analoguephotography
This matrix has been superheated prior to the soak before inking.
I'm happily surprised at its inking and handling of the lost shadow details.
#bromoil #analoguephotography
Hello all.
I'm Tony, a practitioner of historic photographic processes. I say practitioner as I'm always practicing. Main areas of interest are wet plate collodion, bromoil and histories of early photography.
Follow me if you'd like to keep track of what I get up to.
Also on Insta and my blog.
I'm Tony, a practitioner of historic photographic processes. I say practitioner as I'm always practicing. Main areas of interest are wet plate collodion, bromoil and histories of early photography.
Follow me if you'd like to keep track of what I get up to.
Also on Insta and my blog.
November 13, 2024 at 10:12 AM
Hello all.
I'm Tony, a practitioner of historic photographic processes. I say practitioner as I'm always practicing. Main areas of interest are wet plate collodion, bromoil and histories of early photography.
Follow me if you'd like to keep track of what I get up to.
Also on Insta and my blog.
I'm Tony, a practitioner of historic photographic processes. I say practitioner as I'm always practicing. Main areas of interest are wet plate collodion, bromoil and histories of early photography.
Follow me if you'd like to keep track of what I get up to.
Also on Insta and my blog.