LAkeside Centre
LKSD is situated in the Lakeside Centre, a remarkable brutalist building nestled near a stunning lake.
BowArts, our host organisation, accommodates artists at the Centre. We have converted our studio space into a darkroom. Our enlargers are mostly donated either from other darkrooms or private contributions from photography enthusiasts.
Our darkroom offers open access, allowing individuals to rent equipment for the entire day at an affordable rate.
LKSD holds photography workshops in basic and alternative techniques, such as liquid emulsion and cyanotype process on glass and wood. We also host exhibitions and events for practitioners share their projects.
For the last year we have hosted internships where we take on four interns every three months. They receive darkroom access and training in exchange for assisting social media management, creative contribution and administrative tasks. We are currently seeking financial support and business guidance to enhance accessibility and expand further.
Slow it Donw and enjoy
Slow it Donw and enjoy
about the director
Naroa Perez has been the director of Lakeside Darkroom since its inception. The long-term vision for this project is to provide a safe, affordable, and open space for analogue photography practitioners. Naroa studied Photography at London College of Communication (LCC) and gained experience working as a photography technician at various places, including Photofusion in Brixton, Darkroom London in Camden, and Chan Photographic Img. in Shoreditch. She also volunteered at E5 Darkroom in Homerton. Surrounded by other technicians and photographers, she built the confidence to open her own darkroom, acquiring most of the equipment through donations from other darkrooms and with the support of many friends in the profession, who helped repair equipment and find the best setup for the space.
With essential support from Bow Arts, Naroa transformed a studio into a fully functioning darkroom.
Today, it’s a fantastic space where workshops and events like PHOTO BITES are hosted, bringing photographers and visual artists together to discuss their work in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Naroa oversees all logistics, marketing, accounts, programming, and leading workshops herself.
In early 2024, the Intern Programme was launched, allowing interns to share administrative and marketing tasks in exchange for training, workshops, and free access to the darkroom. This initiative is gradually building a vibrant community where members can grow artistically.