Search for school of photography students
THIS photograph from 1980 has been sent to us by Stuart Williams along with a request for his former classmates to get in touch.
Stuart writes, “As a former student (40 years ago!), I am seeking information on the old Wednesbury School of Photography, and am trying to get in touch with past members of staff and students, so I was hoping the Black Country Bugle might be able to help me in my search.
Ephemera
“I am trying to track down any records and ephemera relating to, and photographs of, the school, which formed part of Wednesbury County Technical College (later West Bromwich College of Commerce and Technology, finally renamed Sandwell College) between its formation in 1952 and its demolition in 1998.
“The college was on the corner of Kendrick Street and Walsall Road, Wednesbury, and the School of Photography occupied a number of buildings across the road in Knowles Street.
“Today, there is nothing but modern housing on the site, and almost nothing about it online, so as a former student there (1978-80), who went on to become a professional photographer and a member of staff at Walsall Local History Centre, I would like to try and raise the profile of the old School of Photography, which was once known around the globe and attracted many overseas students, and record something of its history.
“Sandwell College’s current photographic courses and 21st century facilities in West Bromwich town centre have moved on considerably with new technology, and may in many cases bear little resemblance to the old School of Photography, which was firmly of the film era and dedicated to the craft of commercial, industrial and press photography, with one of the first press photography courses approved by the NCTJ, and darkroom work, so it’s probably a long shot as to whether they have kept anything from those days, or have retained any staff from the later period, but I have also emailed them just in case.
“I am planning a visit to Sandwell Archives, but it looks like they probably don’t have much if anything of use; I will do some digging there anyway. I am also writing to various press outlets and professional photography organisations to see if I can reach any past staff members or students.
“It would be a pity to let the history of the old Wednesbury School of Photography disappear altogether.
“I have begun by setting up a Facebook page www.facebook.com/ Wednesburyschoolofphotography and if I find enough evidence, I may also set up a website about the School of Photography, but I think it is going to take me a while!”
Can you help Stuart? Get in touch with us here at the Bugle and we will forward any details on to him. Full contact details are listed on page 2.