Our next Community Focus interview features Mori Darkroom, a Brussels based darkroom that opened its doors in 2021 after successfully crowdfunding the completion of the space you see today.

SECTION 1 - BACKGROUND

LET’S START EASY. TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THE DARKROOM, WHAT IT’S CALLED AND HOW IT STARTED.

The darkroom is called Mori Darkroom because it’s connected to our lab, Mori Film Lab. We opened the lab and shop in December 2020, and the darkroom followed in September 2021. After a successful crowdfunding campaign and a lot of hard work, with the help of friends, we managed to complete the construction. By the end of 2021, we were already offering our first black and white printing and film development workshops.

entrance to the darkroom

WHERE ARE YOU BASED?

The darkroom is located in Brussels, at Rue du Croissant 66B, 1190 Forest.

WHAT FACILITIES DO YOU HAVE? HOW MANY ENLARGERS ETC.

The darkroom can accommodate up to five printers at a time. Our fully light-tight enlarger rooms provide complete immersion and uninterrupted printing, even when the darkroom is at full capacity. The wet lab is fully equipped with a custom-built sink, making it easy to develop prints up to 50x60 cm in trays.

We have three Durst enlargers (ranging from small to large) and two De Vere 504 enlargers, all equipped with color heads, which also allows RA4 printing through our Colenta processor.

WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF PRINTING TIP OR ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?

“Always check your print in natural light; never judge your print inside the darkroom.”
Best tip ever!

WHO CAN USE THE SPACE?

Anyone can book the darkroom if they already know how to print or if they’ve attended one of our workshops.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY FOR PEOPLE TO GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU?

The best way is to visit the lab or send us an email. We’re also very responsive on Instagram.

WHAT CAN THEY EXPECT WHEN THEY VISIT AND DO THEY NEED ANY EXPERIENCE TO COME ALONG?

When they visit, we give them a full tour of the darkroom and explain all the possibilities the space offers. They’ll have access to all our equipment, including the contact proofer, focus finder, and more. The chemicals are prepared in advance, so everything’s ready when they arrive. The space is open to anyone, even those with just a little bit of experience.

DO YOU CHARGE A MEMBERSHIP OR ANY FEES?

Yes, while the Mori Darkroom is built for the Brussels community, it’s open-access. You just need to book your spot in advance. We offer two types of membership: one for monthly users and one for more frequent, everyday users.

WHY SHOULD PEOPLE COME ALONG?

Above all, the Mori Darkroom is a space where everyone is welcome to create. Just bring your negatives and start printing your own pictures, the way they were meant to be!

AS THIS IS AN ILFORD INTERVIEW IT WOULD BE REMISS OF US NOT TO ASK ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE ILFORD DARKROOM PRODUCTS.

My absolute all time favorite ILFORD product is the classic Fiber glossy paper in 50x60cm 🙂 We are also very happy to have an ILFORD dryer and a big ILFORD safelight, unbreakable and perfect to use!

SECTION 2 - SHOUT OUTS

We all need a bit of inspiration and love so this is your chance to tell the community about yours – from the darkroom printers whose work inspires you, the labs you trust with your film, your ‘go to’ film photography stockists, your favourite community darkrooms or just anyone in the community who you feel deserves a special mention.

GIVE A SHOUTOUT TO YOUR PERSONAL FAVOURITE RETAILER.

Best paper and chemical are ILFORD, so thanks to De Beukelaer & Co.

ARE THERE ANY DARKROOM PRINTERS THAT YOU ADMIRE?

Yes, I was very happy to work with Thomas Consani back when I was a student and this experience is still very present in my mind.

GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO YOUR FAVOURITE PHOTOGRAPHY/DARKROOM YOUTUBE CHANNELS.

The naked photographer.

AND FINALLY…

NOMINATE ONE OTHER PERSON YOU THINK SHOULD FILL IN THIS FORM AND WE WILL REACH OUT TO THEM.

Sequence.

black and white darkroom print