The Sequence Darkroom

The Sequence Darkroom

At Sequence, we offer both colour and black and white darkroom facilities, equipped to support a wide range of analogue photographic processes and print sizes.

Our enlarger suite includes DeVere 504s and Leica Focomats, alongside more specialist equipment such as our DeVere 508H horizontal enlarger, which allows us to produce large-scale mural prints.

The colour darkroom is equipped with a Kreonite 30" RA-4 paper processor, providing efficient and consistent colour printing. Our black-and-white darkroom features a large wet-processing sink capable of accommodating trays up to 20" × 24", as well as archival print washers to ensure fibre-based prints are washed to archival standards.

How it works:

  • To use our darkrooms, you can book as a Visitor, or as a Sequence Member.

    You can learn more and explore our memberships here.

  • Choose between our Black & White or Colour Darkrooms, depending on the process you want to work with. Both darkrooms have individual booking calendars.

    There are 2 sessions types; Half Day (4hrs), or Full Day (8hrs).

    Finally, select the enlarger you’d like to use. Choose ‘Any available’ if unsure.

  • Choose an available date from our booking calendar.

    First time booking? Add your ‘Darkroom Induction’ to your order at this stage.

  • Check over your booking details, and then complete your payment. Shortly after you will receive an email confirmation of reservation, containing any additional info you may need to know.

    Then you’re ready to get stuck in with experimenting and developing your work!

Book Your Darkroom Session.

Book Your Darkroom Session.

Select your booking type below.

Not sure? To use our darkrooms you can either book as a Visitor to receive our standard prices, or you can book as a Sequence Member and access our members rates. To take on a membership check out our Membership Options.

Visitor Bookings

Member Bookings

If you have not previously used the Sequence darkrooms, you are required to complete a darkroom induction during your first session.

Once you’ve chosen your process and enlarger, you’ll see the induction option just above the calendar. Add it to your booking before choosing your date and time.

The induction takes around 30 minutes and is a 1-2-1 session with a darkroom technician when you arrive. We’ll show you around, run through the equipment and make sure you’re ready to use the darkroom independently.

First time? Add a Darkroom Induction to your booking.

If you have not previously used the Sequence darkrooms, you are required to complete a darkroom induction during your first session.

Once you’ve chosen your process and enlarger, you’ll see the induction option just above the calendar. Add it to your booking before choosing your date and time.

The induction takes around 30 minutes and is a 1-2-1 session with a darkroom technician when you arrive. We’ll show you around, run through the equipment and make sure you’re ready to use the darkroom independently.

  • If you are new to using the darkroom or are new to the space we ask that you book an induction when booking your first session. This can be added on to your booking on the booking system. If you haven’t done this please drop us an email and we can get an induction arranged.

    In your induction we will cover the basics of using the space as well as health and safety and etiquette when using the darkroom. 

  • All chemistry is provided but we ask that you bring your own paper. This is often available online. For the black and white darkroom you will need resin coated or fibre based silver gelatine paper. in the colour darkroom you will need Fuji Crystal archive/DP II or similar RA4 paper. 

    You are welcome to bring your own chemistry, provided it is suitable for the equipment and processes available in the darkroom. 

    We happily support users of Cyanotype chemistry and liquid light emulsion but we ask that you bring something to cover your work space in (news paper or cardboard) and tidy up after yourself.

    Please make sure you are familiar with the materials you are bringing, have relevant COSHH health and safety data and follow all darkroom safety guidance.

    It is also recommended you bring refreshments with you. We ask that you don’t eat in the darkroom.

  • For the time being, access to the darkroom will be via the video doorbell next to the Project Gallery gate.

    When you arrive, simply ring the doorbell and a member of the Sequence team will come and let you in.

    This is a temporary arrangement while the new public access floor at BACKLIT Studios is being completed. Once this is open, members will be able to enter the building directly via the new public entrance on the ground floor.

    The Sequence darkroom is located on the lower ground floor next to the back stairwell within BACKLIT Studios in Sneinton, Nottingham.

    The darkroom is part of our wider photography facility, which also includes teaching, library, exhibition and project spaces on the lower ground floor.

  • We require 24hrs notice for cancellation. Please drop us an email and we can either reschedule or refund your session.

  • We ask that you do not take food or drink into the darkrooms. We are happy for people to eat in other spaces in BACKLIT and in the Sequence teaching area.

  • If your question isn't answered here, just get in touch with us. We'd much rather you ask than arrive unsure about anything.

    Email: hello@sequence.org.uk

  • If you are new to using the darkroom or are new to the space we ask that you book an induction when booking your first session. This can be added on to your booking on the booking system. If you haven’t done this please drop us an email and we can get an induction arranged.

    In your induction we will cover the basics of using the space as well as health and safety and etiquette when using the darkroom. 

  • All chemistry is provided but we ask that you bring your own paper. This is often available online. For the black and white darkroom you will need resin coated or fibre based silver gelatine paper. in the colour darkroom you will need Fuji Crystal archive/DP II or similar RA4 paper. 

    You are welcome to bring your own chemistry, provided it is suitable for the equipment and processes available in the darkroom. 

    We happily support users of Cyanotype chemistry and liquid light emulsion but we ask that you bring something to cover your work space in (news paper or cardboard) and tidy up after yourself.

    Please make sure you are familiar with the materials you are bringing, have relevant COSHH health and safety data and follow all darkroom safety guidance.

    It is also recommended you bring refreshments with you. We ask that you don’t eat in the darkroom.

  • For the time being, access to the darkroom will be via the video doorbell next to the Project Gallery gate.

    When you arrive, simply ring the doorbell and a member of the Sequence team will come and let you in.

    This is a temporary arrangement while the new public access floor at BACKLIT Studios is being completed. Once this is open, members will be able to enter the building directly via the new public entrance on the ground floor.

    The Sequence darkroom is located on the lower ground floor next to the back stairwell within BACKLIT Studios in Sneinton, Nottingham.

    The darkroom is part of our wider photography facility, which also includes teaching, library, exhibition and project spaces on the lower ground floor.

  • We require 24hrs notice for cancellation. Please drop us an email and we can either reschedule or refund your session.

  • We ask that you do not take food or drink into the darkrooms. We are happy for people to eat in other spaces in BACKLIT and in the Sequence teaching area.

  • If your question isn't answered here, just get in touch with us. We'd much rather you ask than arrive unsure about anything.

    Email: hello@sequence.org.uk

Darkroom FAQ’s

  • Please don't try to repair or dismantle anything yourself.

    Let a member of the Sequence team or a trained volunteer know what has happened. We would rather deal with a small problem properly than risk making it worse.

  • The darkroom is accessed via a single step.

    The teaching space, specialist photography library and exhibition areas are easily accessible. Accessible toilet facilities are located within the building and can be reached via the lift, although the toilets are two floors above the darkroom.

    As BACKLIT Studios is a historic building, some areas are not fully accessible for all wheelchair users or people with certain mobility requirements.

  • There is currently no hearing loop within the darkroom or wider facility.

    If you have specific communication or access requirements, please let us know in advance and we will do our best to accommodate you

  • The darkroom is intended to be a shared, member-led facility, but there will be trained Sequence volunteers and team members around at all times during your session.

    If you are unsure about something, please ask. We'd much rather you check than risk damaging equipment, materials or your work.

    Ultimately, our aim is to help you develop your darkroom practice and your photography and we’re always happy to help.

    If you need someone to accompany you for accessibility or support reasons, please contact us in advance so we can make appropriate arrangements.

  • Darkroom sessions are intended for Sequence members, but we are happy to support parents in bringing their children with them free of charge.

    All we ask is that your children are aware that others are working the space and we would like to maintain a calm and professional work environment. We are keen to support parents in sharing the joy of the darkroom with their children!

  • Please leave your workspace clean and ready for the next member.

    This includes cleaning equipment, disposing of waste correctly, washing trays and utensils, and leaving the enlarger and work surfaces tidy.

    The darkroom is a shared space, so leaving it as you would hope to find it is an important part of keeping it running.

    We ask that you accommodate any wash times into your session. you are responsible for hanging your own prints.

    If you need to leave prints to dry, we will store them for you until your next visit.

  • Please don't try to repair or dismantle anything yourself.

    Let a member of the Sequence team or a trained volunteer know what has happened. We would rather deal with a small problem properly than risk making it worse.

  • The darkroom is accessed via a single step.

    The teaching space, specialist photography library and exhibition areas are easily accessible. Accessible toilet facilities are located within the building and can be reached via the lift, although the toilets are two floors above the darkroom.

    As BACKLIT Studios is a historic building, some areas are not fully accessible for all wheelchair users or people with certain mobility requirements.

  • There is currently no hearing loop within the darkroom or wider facility.

    If you have specific communication or access requirements, please let us know in advance and we will do our best to accommodate you

  • The darkroom is intended to be a shared, member-led facility, but there will be trained Sequence volunteers and team members around at all times during your session.

    If you are unsure about something, please ask. We'd much rather you check than risk damaging equipment, materials or your work.

    Ultimately, our aim is to help you develop your darkroom practice and your photography and we’re always happy to help.

    If you need someone to accompany you for accessibility or support reasons, please contact us in advance so we can make appropriate arrangements.

  • Darkroom sessions are intended for Sequence members, but we are happy to support parents in bringing their children with them free of charge.

    All we ask is that your children are aware that others are working the space and we would like to maintain a calm and professional work environment. We are keen to support parents in sharing the joy of the darkroom with their children!

  • Please leave your workspace clean and ready for the next member.

    This includes cleaning equipment, disposing of waste correctly, washing trays and utensils, and leaving the enlarger and work surfaces tidy.

    The darkroom is a shared space, so leaving it as you would hope to find it is an important part of keeping it running.

    We ask that you accommodate any wash times into your session. you are responsible for hanging your own prints.

    If you need to leave prints to dry, we will store them for you until your next visit.