An exhibition charting the significant role which Wolverhampton played in the story of photography is to go on display at Wolverhampton Art Gallery.

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Devised by Wolverhampton Photographic Society in conjunction with Wolverhampton Art Gallery, From Darkroom to Digital, which runs from Saturday 16 November, 2013, until Saturday 15 February, 2014, is a celebration of the Society's 125th anniversary and uses developments within photography to also explore the changing face of the city.

The exhibition reflects on how Wolverhampton was a hub for photographers in the mid 19th century, with thousands active in the city at the time, including 'the father of art photography' Oscar G Rejlander (1813 to 1875).

From Darkroom to Digital gives audiences an opportunity to view his key work, The Two Ways of Life (1857). The print, which is made up of 32 separate images, was the first composite photograph of its kind and became renowned after a copy was purchased by Queen Victoria for Prince Albert.

Proud of Rejlander's achievements, Wolverhampton Photographic Society recognised his contribution to photography by paying for his gravestone when he died.

From Darkroom to Digital has been supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and features images taken by other local figures of influence within photography - Haseler, Whitlock, Bennett-Clark, Eisenhofer and Susser.

Their work captures historic Wolverhampton and its social, economic and political development, from portraits of high society to photographs of the working city. These images are complemented by a selection of photographs taken by Society members which portray modern day Wolverhampton.

These pictures represent the city as it is today and feature a diverse range of people and places. From Darkroom to Digital also features a contemporary interpretation of Rejlander's The Two Ways of Life, created by Wolverhampton Photographic Society specifically for the exhibition.

Jane Morrow, Exhibitions Curator, said: "From Darkroom to Digital has given us a great opportunity to not only look at the story of photography in Wolverhampton, but to also use this to tell the story of Wolverhampton itself.

"Through the exhibition, we hope to draw attention to the significant developments which took place in the city and it seems fitting that we do this in the 125th year of Wolverhampton Photographic Society."

Entry to the exhibition is free. For further details about the exhibition please visit the WAVE website Type=links;Linkid=2106;Title=Museums, Galleries and Archives of Wolverhampton;Target=_blank; or call 01902 552055.

  • released: Tuesday 5 November, 2013