Hire the Darkroom
Dark Mode is a fully equipped black and white analogue darkroom in the heart of Norwich, available for private hire by experienced photographers and artists. Four enlarger workstations. Full chemistry set-up on site. Bring your negatives & create.
Private hire is available Tuesday to Friday [9am–5pm]. All users must hold a current annual membership and complete an induction before their first session.
choose your session
Darkroom Induction (included in your annual membership fee of £20)
All new Dark Mode members must complete an induction before their first hire session. The induction covers safe use of chemistry, enlarger operation, darkroom etiquette, and our terms and conditions, which you’ll sign on the day. Inductions run weekly once a minimum of four attendees have registered. They are led by Jeremy Webb or a trained member of the Matter of Place team.
Once you have had your induction, you can become a member of Dark Mode for an annual payment of £20.
8-hour private hire session, Tuesday to Friday, 9am–5pm. Up to four people may share a booking. Four enlarger bays available. Chemistry (developer, stop bath, fixer) and photographic paper are available to purchase on arrival at session-quantity prices. You are welcome to bring your own materials. Early bird discount until September 2026.
3-hour private hire session, Tuesday to Friday, 9am–12pm or 1pm-4pm. Up to four people may share a booking. Four enlarger bays available. Chemistry (developer, stop bath, fixer) and photographic paper are available to purchase on arrival at session-quantity prices. You are welcome to bring your own materials. Early bird discount until September 2026.
full day hire
half day hire
Induction
slow art in the fine city
Dark Mode now supports eight enlargers and 4 workstations for black and white photo printing; a full chemistry set-up: developer, stop bath, and fixer available to purchase in session quantities; a selection of photographic paper available on site, or bring your own. PPE (gloves, eye protection) provided.
Dark Mode is for self-directed hire — come ready to work independently.