Enjoy, explore and learn about the remarkable early years of photography at a packed day of free talks, displays, workshops and activities.

Points of View: Capturing the 19th Century in Photographs

This exhibition brings together photographs from the British Library's unique collections, examining the history of the medium and its lasting influence.

More about the exhibition

Time: 09.30 - 17.00

Willett and Patterson's amazing camera obscura

A chance to experience the projected images that amazed earlier generations: artists, scientists and holiday-makers. Complete with its authentic booth and operators, this is one of the finest touring camera obscuras in the world.

Time: 11.00 - 16.30

Madam La Luz's photographic parlour

Dress up in 19th-century costume and have your picture taken by professional photographers in our lavish Victorian photo studio.

Time: 11.00 - 16.00

Early photography advice sessions

An introduction to looking after photographs

Many families have photographic collections ranging from those taken over 100 years ago to the present day. In this presentation you will learn about the different types of photographs and how to avoid storage problems in photographic collections.

Time: 11.30- 12.30

Images of the past

Bring in your own early photographs and meet our team of conservators. Discuss their themes, dates, techniques and learn how best to care for them and protect your own collection for future generations.

Talks

All talks will take place in the Conference Centre Auditorium

11.00 - 12.00 Photographic History without Photographs

In a heavily illustrated lecture, Michael Pritchard explores a little-known but intriguing world of photographic history sources: trade catalogues, patents, company documents, auction catalogues, handbills and printed ephemera.

Presented in conjunction with the 2009 Let's Talk About Photography lectures promoted by the Photographic Materials Conservation Group of the Institute of Conservation

12.30 - 13.00 Magic Lantern Show

13.30 - 14.30 'New light through an old hole'
The History, Science and Art of The Pinhole Camera with Justin Quinnell

15.00 - 15.30 Magic Lantern Show

16.00 - 17.00 Curator Talk, Points Of View: Capturing the 19th Century in Photographs

John Falconer, discusses the highlights of the exhibition and the British Library photographic collection.