Join The Photographers’ Gallery and Lakeside Darkroom for a special Black & White Photowalk & Film Processing Workshop on Saturday 4 October.

Whether you’re picking up a film camera for the first time or are a seasoned photographer, this hands-on experience will take you from street to darkroom in one unforgettable day.

What’s Happening

11:00 am – Meet at Lakeside Darkroom (nearest station: Abbey Wood, Elizabeth line)

• Explore the iconic Thamesmead – the striking backdrop for A Clockwork Orange and Misfits
• Return to the darkroom to develop your own film and watch your images come to life

Your Ticket Includes

• 1 roll of Kentmere 400 B&W film
• A full Black & White Film Processing Workshop – learn how to load film, mix chemicals, and master the techniques needed to create the perfect negative

All abilities are welcome. Just bring your film camera and your curiosity.

Places are limited – book now and experience the magic of black & white photography from capture to creation.

BOOK NOW

The Lakeside Centre’s Annual Open Studios – This September!

The Lakeside Centre’s annual Open Studios is coming up this September! Come and meet the artists working in the studios and step inside their creative practices – from painting and costuming to analogue photography and much more.

We’re delighted to share that Lakeside Darkroom will also be taking part, opening our doors throughout the day. Visitors will be able to see the darkroom itself, learn how it works, and discover how it supports artists in producing their own photographic artworks. Alongside this, we’ll be showcasing a selection of work created by our members, offering a glimpse into the possibilities analogue photography brings to artistic practice.

Alongside the Open Studios, there will be a host of activities and entertainments on the day. Get creative with one of our workshops run by professional artists, learn to play chess, or enjoy live music from our friends at RCRDSHOP in the courtyard. The Lakeside Art Shop will also be setting up, with playful and unique creations from independent artists available to buy or order.

Inside the building, upstairs, you’ll find a quiet space with art activities for young people and a place to unwind, as well as exhibitions and installations on display. Don’t miss the chance to look out across Southmere Lake from the roof, or to make new memories with friends and loved ones inside.

For the third year running, the Open Studios is part of Open City’s Open House Festival, celebrating our curiosity for what happens inside the buildings we pass every day. This iconic 1960s brutalist building was nominated for a Pineapple Award for its sustainable creative retrofit, and has featured in films such as Beautiful Thing and the TV series Misfits.

Please note: photography will be taking place on the day of the event. If you would prefer not to appear in images used for future communications, kindly let our photographer know on the day.

Photobites is gradually becoming a creative oasis where ideas are shared, discussed, and allowed to grow.

We aim to keep it going every month, on the last Saturday of each month.

This creates a sort of deadline that keeps us motivated and sparks our creativity to present something new the following month—a month-by-month development of our projects.It’s a safe, respectful, collaborative space for growth.

A place to share ideas, thoughts, feelings, and emotions, helping our projects thrive and grow exponentially.

It’s such a joy—enriching, unifying, and creating meaningful connections.

Mark it in your calendar!

Photo Bites is a welcoming space for all – whether you're just starting out, picking up where you left off, developing a long-term project, or exploring a single spark of an idea.

Every project stage is welcome here, from fresh concepts to works in progress.

Don’t be shy! This is the place to share your ideas, questions, doubts, obsessions, and creative contradictions.

It's designed to deepen our creative journey, these small, intimate groups offer an encouraging space to revisit, develop, and refine your projects over time.

With limited spots (+/-6), these sessions create a supportive environment where we can share progress, offer feedback, and grow together. Ready to keep building on your vision?

Join us in making each step of the process inspiring and collaborative.