Collection Visit and Talk: Catalyst Science and Discovery Centre

About
We are pleased to welcome members and non-members working with UK photographic collections and archives to a special visit exploring the chemical industry through photographs and the impact of chemistry on our collections. We're delighted that we will be joined for a talk and Q&A by Howard Hopwood, Trustee of Catalyst and former HARMAN Chairman and New Business Director.

This morning visit will combine an inside look at Catalyst Science Discovery Centre’s photographic archives and how Catalyst is engaging visitors with photographs, with discussion around the challenges that degradation poses to collections across the UK and beyond. Our visit will explore how photographs support Catalyst’s approach to exploring the science and technology behind the chemical industry and its impact on lives past and present. 

We will experience how the museum’s photographic collection and its new Panoramic Halton tablets have been integrated with hands-on exhibits and the local environment in the observatory (supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund). Then we will hear from Howard Hopwood about the black and white chemistry in your archives and collections. There'll be a rare opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues like dealing chemical problems, faulty processing and contamination of prints of old negatives and prints.

The visit will end with an informal networking lunch for delegates in the café. Lunch is included in the ticket price and will consist of a mix of soup, sandwiches and quiche with vegetarian diets catered for (*if you've booked your place, please do email info@photocollections.org.uk if you have any dietary requirements).

Programme
10.30 - registration & refreshments (at the cafe)
10.45 - introductions from PCN and Catalyst
11.15 - archive collection highlights and observatory tour
12.15 - presentation & Q+A with Howard Hopwood
13.00 - lunch and informal networking 
14.00 - close

Parking
Catalyst has a large, free car park

Prices
Places for PCN members are priced at £10, with tickets for non-members priced at £15. Ticket prices include refreshments and a contribution to the work of the museum. Places are extremely limited - so please book quickly to avoid disappointment!

Credit for image below: exterior of Catalyst Science Discovery Centre (Mersey Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 0DF), courtesy of Catalyst Science Discovery Centre.