Solihull Photographic Society, founded in July 1936, marked 90 years with the Mayor and a lecture by Tony Worobiec. How it began, and how to try it out.

Solihull Photographic Society has celebrated its 90th anniversary, with the Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Marwa, and the mayoress joining members for a special lecture by the photographer Tony Worobiec.

The society, which was set up in 1936, sent us an account of the evening and of how it began. Members were joined by invited guests, the society says, including the Chair of the Midlands Photographic Federation and “other well known figures from the Midlands photographic community”.

The mayor opened the evening. According to the society, the mayor congratulated it on its long contribution to the creative life of the town and wished it every success for the future. The photograph the society sent shows the mayor cutting a cake iced with its logo and “90 years”, under two black-and-silver “90” balloons.

“Still thriving” after 90 years

Simon Hague, the society’s current chair, said:

“Photographic equipment may have changed since 1936, but 90 years later the Society is still thriving and continues to support all those interested in photography in Solihull and the surrounding area. We welcome anyone who is interested in photography, whatever their experience, to come and try us out.”

How it started: an advert and a studio on Mell Square

The society traces its start to July 1936, when two local photographers, Donald Allen and David Jewsbury, realised that, unlike many other towns, Solihull had no photographic society.

Donald Allen was a professional photographer. His studio, the society says, was in an old house on the site that later became the Mell Square car park, the same multi-storey that is being demolished this month to make way for Holbeche Place. David Jewsbury was a keen amateur.

The pair put an advert in the Solihull newspaper inviting anyone interested in photography to a meeting. At that meeting, it was agreed to set up the Solihull Photographic Society.

What it means for you

If you take pictures, on a phone or a camera, the society’s message is that experience does not matter: its chair says it welcomes anyone interested in photography to come and try it out. Its programme for the season and contact details are on the Solihull Photographic Society website.

Bob Breach, the society’s secretary, sent us this story. Clubs, schools and charities in the borough can send theirs to hello@thesolihullpost.co.uk.