Who we are
Dark Mode is a public darkroom run by Matter of Place Architects CIC from our studio at Basement No. 4 Upper Goat Lane, Norwich. We opened the darkroom as a contribution to the growing movement for analogue and traditional methods of art production. It is a space for photographers and artists who value the considered, chemical, and irreducibly physical nature of the darkroom print. The darkroom facility is managed by the MOPA team.
The Norwich Community Darkroom provided the fit out and equipment. They are anchor tenants of the darkroom and provide three weekly group. sessions. The programme is led by Jeremy Webb.
Slow art movement
There is a counter-movement in photography; away from the instant, the digital & disposable, making the process one of patience and physical work. Dark Mode is a darkroom that celebrates the relationship between photographer and photo; one that is deliberate and material in a way that no digital manipulation skills can replicate.
Dark Mode hopes to support slow practice: to give photographers in Norwich access to a serious facility, and support a community of people who believe that analogue skills are worth the effort.
FAQs
-
Dark Mode is aimed at practising photographers and artists with existing darkroom experience. You don’t need professional credentials, but you should be comfortable working independently with enlargers and chemistry.
If you’re not sure whether it’s right for you, join Norwich Community Dark Room and come along to a community session first. -
Bring your negatives. Developer, fixer, and paper are available to buy in session quantities, or you’re welcome to bring your own. All other equipment is provided.
-
to Fill in
-
We stock developer, stop bath, and fixer on site, available to purchase in session quantities. We do not charge a blanket chemistry fee — you pay only for what you use.
We have a selection of paper available to purchase. in future this will be available to pre-order via the booking portal. in the meantime, we will offer you a selection by email.
-
Private hire is available Tuesday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Community sessions run on Wednesday evenings and all day Monday and Saturday — contact Jeremy at Norwich Community Darkroom for those hours.
-
No. All users must complete an induction before their first session. Inductions run weekly once four people have registered — book yours through the Hire the Darkroom portal.
-
Yes — up to four people can book a session together. There are four enlarger bays available.
-
From September 2026 we will offer block bookings at a reduced rate. If you are interested in securing a regular slot, including institutional bookings, get in touch to discuss.
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!