Smethwick Photographic Society has been in existance for more than 80 years but it was in the 1970's that its success really took off, in part due to the starting of the Smethwick International Exhibition of Photography in 1974.

Its growing membership could no longer be accommodated in the small rented room at the back of St. Mary's Church in Smethwick and the Society started a "Future Facilities Fund" to prepare for the future.

The Fund was given a boost when the club won the first two Slide Championships organised by the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain and which each carried a sizeable cash prize.

In 1981 they leased a derelict old boy's club hut in Coopers Lane, Smethwick and using the FF Fund money and a great deal of work from the members, restored it into a purpose-built clubhouse with lecture room, kitchen, studio and licensed bar.

The Society and its Exhibition enjoyed great success in the '80's and '90's until a fateful day in July 1998 when the roof of the ageing hut caved in. The building was irreparable and the club was forced to meet in local pubs whilst searching for suitable new premises.

Within 12 months a disused 100 year old primary school building was found. It would be ideal but the cost of purchase and restoration was daunting. However, a number of members decided to invest in the purchase of the building and the Society would purchase shares. The goodwill from friends of the Society across the country was astounding and donations came flooding in.

The roof leaked, the walls were sopping wet, paint was peeling off everywhere, toilets were broken, the floors were covered in junk. Planning permission was required. There was only a few months to the next exhibition. But inspired leadership would not be put off. Old walls came down, new ones went up, electrics and plumbing were replaced. Most of the work was done by the members themselves.

The vision of the few and the sweat of the many brought the project in on time for the opening of the 25th Exhibition in January 2000.

Click on the Start thumbnail (left frame) for the slide show.