Leeds Photographic Society, the oldest in the world, was founded in 1852, before even the Royal Photographic Society.

Activity of this early society picked up in the 1880s as major developments in camera technology opened up photography to a wider range of people. Members have always shared both the ever-evolving technology of photography and the images produced. Their programme continues to be a mix of illustrated talks, competitions and outings.

This talk, by the Society’s Competition Secretary Alan Parsons, will cover both the early days of photography and the history of LPS.

Amongst the founders was Leeds-born scientist Washington Teasdale (1830-1903) (pictured below), whose interests encompassed both microscopy and astronomy.

Alan Parsons joined the Leeds Photographic Society in 2019, having moved up to Leeds from Burton-on-Trent. He initially trained as an industrial designer but from just after the turn of the millennium has had his own marketing and design business, designing websites and printed literature for companies large and small including the NHS, Mappin & Webb, British Waterways, Nottingham University and many others.