Where can I find you?
We’re based in leafy St. John’s Wood, London NW8 – close to Abbey Road Studios and Lord’s Cricket Ground in north west London. We have over 30 years experience with analogue film and chemical print processes and our service is aimed at both the professional and enthusiast black and white photographer. We welcome personal callers and are happy also to deal by mail order. Map
What’s the history of Black & White Basement?
Black & White Basement is the brainchild of Keith Lyons, founder of Lab35 & Lab120 - leading UK professional laboratories over the past 30 years. Our darkroom specialises in B&W analogue film processing and uses traditional enlarging equipment to produce hand prints of the highest quality. The service is aimed at the enthusiast or professional photographer who still chooses to use film as part of their photographic repertoire. All printing is supervised by Jan Traylen, Master Photographer of 30 years standing and former Ilford Printer of the year, who is also a qualified darkroom tutor.
What makes Black & White Basement special?
We develop 35mm, 120 medium format rolls and even ‘super-pro’ 5x4 sheet film - all to professional standards. Your negatives are hand-loaded into spirals and processed using a traditional ‘deep tank’ handline with developer, stop-bath, fixer, wash and final ‘photo-flow’ rinse. Particular care is taken with time, temperature and agitation to allow for different film makes and types – push-pull options are also available for speed adjustment. Once the ‘wet’ stage is complete, films are air dried, hand cut and sleeved into clear pages for filing and storage.
Will my negatives be printed using traditional methods?
Our hand printing darkroom is specially equipped for black and white film processing and printing using Ilford and Kodak print materials and chemistry. Our expertly crafted prints are made by hand and produced on DeVere optical enlargers with Rodenstock lenses to deliver that special indefinable quality - only achieved using analogue techniques and materials. And, if you would like to try your hand at making your own analogue black and white prints, you can hire our fully equipped darkroom with expert tuition if required.
Can you scan my films and negs and convert to digital?
To complement our traditional black & white processing services, we offer high resolution film scanning and bespoke photo restoration. Once you have selected your black and white images, we’ll create beautiful optical enlargements up to 20”x16” onto traditional silver bromide paper. Or, for real visual impact, we can produce exhibition quality Giclée prints up to A0 poster size using the latest ultrachrome ink technology optimised for monochrome images.
Our Photoshop specialist Viktor David majored in Computer and Multimedia Studies at university and now has many years experience servicing both professional photographers and graphic artists. He now also offers a web design with hosting and optimisation options (www.vik’swebpage.com).
Are your processing & printing charges reasonable?
We aim to be the most price competitive black and white service available and, if you register as one of our regular customers, you will benefit from discounted trade prices plus special offers.
Can I call you for advice?
We are always happy to offer advice or guidance to help with your analogue photography and processing needs - just phone or e-mail. We’re sure you’ll find the answer to all your black and white requirements right here at the Black & White Basement.
Remember Black & White Basement is here to help - you shoot the film and we do the rest!
