Beloved community darkroom and photographic studio is raising funds for a new home

Tucked behind a metal gate set back from a residential road in Totterdown, you’d be hard pressed to know that Negative Thinking exists.

But for the thriving analogue photographic community within Bristol who know about it, venturing up the stairs to the loft is to step into a unique and inspirational space in which to learn, experiment, create and discover.

Replete with an open plan studio, social space and kitchen, as well as a darkroom, it is a welcoming space, aiming to reduce barriers to creative photographic practice by building a resilient local network, sharing skills and keeping dark room and studio rental and workshop costs affordable.

Photo: Alex Gunn

Having dedicated himself to the art of photography since discovering it as a teen, Tim Pearse has amassed an extraordinary bank of knowledge about the artform he loves.

As a master printer, he possesses a skillset that precedes him, causing artists to visit the studio from all over the UK and beyond to learn the precious heritage techniques with which he has become synonymous.

Upcoming workshops include black and white printing, lith printing, sabattier, chemigrams, Christmas chromo, and cameraless photography, although Tim is always open to requests to learn additional techniques, as well as offering bespoke group workshops and one-to-one learning.

Photo: Mordancage

Pearse has autism, and for him, analogue photography and the act of printmaking posesses a particular kind of magic that promotes mindfulness and connection, as well as being a creative outlet for those that may struggle with their mental health.

Since opening up Negative Thinking in 2022, the community has grown by word of mouth, buoyed by its welcoming and inclusive ethos.

But only 18 months later, with Emily Mayne joining as co-director, an expanding offer combined with spiralling rents have caused the team to look for a new home.

Photo: Jo Torres

A crowdfunder is in place to help with this move, and propel the studio forward into a new, and more permanent chapter.

In 2024, their ambitious plans include beginning a series of funded workshops and evening courses in conjunction with local charities and community groups who might benefit from the experience.

In particular, they are keen to partner with a men’s mental health charity, and to work alongside organisations that support asylum seekers in Bristol.

‘Security cameras’ – photo: Fenton Fleming

“We can only imagine what it might feel like to be stripped of so many elements of one’s identity when searching for safety,” they say, “and we want to offer a programme where newcomers to Bristol are able to focus on creative pursuits.

“Handmade photography is so special – it offers us the chance to mould our vision into something tangible; to use our hands and our hearts to make pictures.

“It gives us a voice when we can’t find the words to speak. It is a gift of light in a dark room.”

Dark Room – photo: Negative Thinking

The Negative Thinking crowdfunder is open for donations until December 7. For more information, visit the website.

Main photo: Negative Thinking

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