ISLAND DARKROOM

Island Darkroom is a photography gallery and darkroom, situated in the heart of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. It was established in 2018 by artist, Mhairi Law. 
Island Darkroom operates seasonally; a shop space and contemporary photography exhibitions run during the summer months, and the same space is then used as a studio for artist residencies during the winter. The darkroom is available to rent all year round.

It is possible to contact Island Darkroom directly for other residency opportunities outside of the Nordic Analog Network

Isle of Lewis / Hebrides - Scotland

  • Timeframe:
    2026:
    Not planning to offer any residencies this year.

    Residency apartment:
    Hebridean Bothy Pods, next door to Island Darkroom
    www.hebrideanbothypods.com

    Residency activities:
    - The residency will be self-directed, but Mhairi will be on-hand the whole time to support (she lives next door!) 
    - You will have a meet and greet with Mhairi and Danielle (darkroom coordinator) on arrival
    - You will receive local knowledge of the island throughout your stay. 
    - A social gathering can be organised for you to meet other local practitioners if you wish.
    - You will be invited to do a presentation at Island Darkroom and/or An Lanntair arts centre in the nearest town of Stornoway to present your work. 

    Please note: The easiest and most efficient way to fully explore the Isle of Lewis is by car, it is recommended to the artists that they hire one during some/all of their stay. If this is not possible, Mhairi will be happy to take you to specific places of interest (arranged with Mhairi during the residency). 

    Residency contact person:
    Mhairi Law:  info@islanddarkroom.com

  • The one-person darkroom offers black and white developing and printing facilities. The space has been laid out with wet/dry areas, plenty of print drying space, tray areas and a large work sink. The enlarger can print up to medium format negatives. There is a 5x4 developing tank and a contact printer for those who work with large format.
    Residents have access to the adjoining studio space, and stay in the cosy self-contained accommodation cabin next door. 

    Island Darkroom has held successful winter residencies since 2021, with artists travelling from across the world to enjoy this unique setup of a darkroom with on-site accommodation in the heart of the culturally and environmentally rich Outer Hebrides.

  • Enlargers:

    • Kaiser V-system multigrade head condenser for small and medium format (largest printing size approx 25-30cm sq)

    Equipment in the Darkroom

    • Shared b&w chemicals - Ilford brand.

    • Large work sink 

    • Waterfall pipe for print washing

    • Over sink ventilation and print drying lines

    • Red Safelights 

    • Film development tanks and reels for up to 4x5” 

    • Drying cabinet for films and prints

    • Drying racks for FB paper up to A1

    • Printing equipment like paper easels, focus finder, MG filters, contact printers etc.

    • Developing equipment like paper trays up to 60x70cm, beakers, measuring cups, tongs etc.

    • UV light box for Cyanotype printing 

    • Mount cutter and guillotine

  • Website:
    www.islanddarkroom.com

    Instagram:
    @island_darkroom

    Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/IslandDarkroom/

    Email:
    info@islanddarkroom.com

    Address: 
    5C Achmore, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland, HS2 9DU 

    Telephone:
    +447599217064

    Staff:
    Mhairi Law (founder) - www.mlawphotography.com

    Danielle Macleod (darkroom coordinator) -www.daniellemacleodphoto.com