Milestone for group founded by photography pioneers

A photographic club which was founded by one of the pioneers of photographic research has celebrated its 125th birthday

Halton Photographic Society (originally Widnes Photographic Society) was founded by Vero Charles Driffield (1848-1915) in November 1900.

Driffield and his colleague Ferdinand Hurter (1844-1898) used their expertise in chemical engineering to produce the forerunner of the modern light meter used by photographers.

Current chair of the Society, Mike Duffy, said: "I'm delighted to be the Chair of Halton Photographic Society during this important year."

He added: "The society continues the long tradition of developing and sharing the photographic skills of its members to enhance the quality of their images."

In 1863, aged 15, Driffield became interested in photography and met Hurter when they both worked at Gaskell Deacon and Company in Widnes.

Hurter designed and patented the Hurter Actinometer which measured the available light for a photographer.

Further research from 1885-86 by the two men resulted in the development of the photographic patented exposure calculator called an Actinograph, which was marketed from 1888.

Halton Photographic Society Treasurer and former physics teacher Bob Redmond said: "The contribution of Hurter and Driffield to photography has been immeasurable. Their meticulous research and scientific knowledge pushed forward our understanding of light intensity which is so essential in the art of photography."

The society has gone through several changes and venues - it currently meets at Rainhill Cricket and Recreation Club.

Guest of honour at its anniversary celebration was Bob Martindale, 95, who is an established historian, photographer and archivist for Widnes.

Mr Martindale, who has amassed more than 6,000 photographs recording the social, industrial and architectural history of Widnes, is researching a book on the Runcorn Gap River Crossing, which will be illustrated with his photographs or researched from his extensive archive.

When Morrison's opened in Widnes in 1995, Bob was commissioned to provide local photographs to adorn the walls of the new supermarket.

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