Picturing the past, with PhotoFlux.co.uk
PhotoFlux is a supplier of eye-catching, on-demand prints, primarily derived from original pre-1960s negatives. We take pride in offering a carefully curated and growing selection of images, at affordable prices in a range of sizes, with worldwide shipping.
Please see the FAQ below for more details on our services.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the photographs sourced from?
Unless otherwise stated; all historic images are from Dry Plate Negatives, with original plate dimensions quoted. They're collected from all over the place, and stock for prints will change over time, with some images being retired and new ones taking their place. Some photographs will have been made by professionals; others by keen amateurs from a time when being a hobbyist photographer was quite a commitment. Where photos come from a different source, such as more modern film stocks, or acetate negatives, it will be noted in the listing.As a UK based collection, the majority of images will be of Britain, or taken by British photographers, either at home or around the world.
As a UK based collection, the majority of images will be of Britain, or taken by British photographers, either at home or around the world.
Why dry plate negatives?
They're big, they're beautiful, and they have character. There's just something special about photographs on glass. A well produced Dry Plate has wonderful personality; scratches, decentered lenses and all. Every image is treated to some digital cleanup work, but never at the expense of the evidence of their life. With some photographs having well over a hundred years' of history, we want the photos to retain some of the patina of their age. Please be sure to take a good look at the details and larger images before committing to a print - these photographs are never technically 'perfect' in the modern sense and it's important you know what it is you'll be getting.
The nature of these older images means that they will invariably deal with some uncomfortable aspects of the past, such as colonialism, challenging representations of race, gender and class. On the other hand, there can be some fabulously surprising and progressive bygone images that offer a clear visual link between the past and the present.
If you know any details on the photographer, location or subjects of an image in the collection, we'd love to hear from you and update the listing with accurate information.
I have some dry plates in a box in the attic - can you make me prints from them?
Sure, absolutely - send a message via the contact form with the details and we'll work something out. Photoflux is also interested in acquiring new plates and collections for the website.
What kind of paper do you use? Can you produce prints on a different paper stock?
As standard, Photoflux prints on 308gsm Hahnemühle Photo Rag Matt cotton paper - an extremely high grade fine art print stock. We use archival quality inks with a claimed lifespan of 200 years if treated correctly. This is a proven and trusted combination that yields wonderful results. Other stocks can be requested, but may require a deposit and additional lead time.
Why digital prints? Do you offer traditional dark room printing?
We focus on digital prints for the sake of consistency, and scalability as well as the ability to restore some of the more damaged plates.
Contact printing for the larger plates for limited runs is a possibility and under consideration, but not currently available via the online shop.
Can you tell me more about sizing?
Sizes refer to the international 'A' standards, i.e. A4 being 29.7cm x 21cm. The provided size is the maximum printable area, the final image will be smaller than this and dictated by the aspect ratio. Where possible sizes have been chosen that allow for easily selecting frames or matts/mounts off the shelf and where possible, images will include a small amount of bleed to accommodate this more easily.
It is possible for custom work to be done, but this should be agreed in advance and significant alterations may require a surcharge. But edge trimming paper before shipping or potentially providing a different crop ratio or custom size is certainly possible. Please get in touch to request any custom work to confirm it.
As standard, we will trim prints from the original paper size down to leaving a narrow margin if the image is significantly smaller than the original paper ratio. If you want your prints to be delivered without being trimmed, please add a note at checkout.
Can you do prints larger than A2?
At present printing is restricted to A2 to keep sizes and shipping achieavable and to facilitate working with our preferred medium.
However, larger print sizes are a possibility but will require a longer lead time and additional costs.
If there is an image you'd like to see produced at A1 or even larger sizes, please get in touch.
Do PhotoFlux offer framed prints/framing services?
No - all images are supplied unframed, at sizes that are designed to fit readily available mounts and frames.
We'd be happy to recommend framing services for different budgets, and again, bespoke jobs are a possibility, just get in touch.
I'm interested in licensing an image but not purchasing a print - is that possible?
Yes, please do get in touch. It may well be possible to license a photograph, for instance for publication in a book or for an album cover.
From time to time, we may also have original negatives for sale, giving you the freedom to make of them whatever your heart desires, these will be found here - Plates & B Stock
Where is PhotoFlux based?
We're located in Lincoln, a cathedral city in the East Midlands of England. Famed for blowing up dams, herby sausages, an unimaginatively named hill and a jaunty imp (not necessarily in that order)
What is PhotoFlux's Return Policy?
Any returns must be shipped back in the original or equivalent packaging to be eligible for refund, shipped at the buyers expense and reach us in undamaged condition. Returns must be initiated within 14 working days of receiving the original order. A proof of purchase or receipt will need to be provided. To start a return, you can contact us at returns@photoflux.co.uk. A return address will be provided when the request has been processed. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.
Any refunds will be returned via the original Payment Method and processed within ten business days of receiving the returned item(s). Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund too.
If more than 15 business days have passed since we’ve approved your return, please get in touch, again, via returns@photoflux.co.uk.
In the unlikely event of items damaged in transit please contact us, via returns@photoflux.co.uk or by using the Contact Form as soon as possible to arrange for a replacement item to be shipped.