Kidderminster Camera Club was founded in 1906, originally as the Kidderminster and District Photographic Society. The inaugural meeting took place at the Coffee Tavern in Vicar Street, where Mr M. Tomkinson was elected as the Society’s first President.

Remarkably, the original Society minute book from the 1906–1913 membership period has survived and offers a fascinating insight into the club’s early activities. From the outset, meetings were held on Monday evenings, a tradition that continues to this day. The club now meets at St Barnabas’s Community Centre.

Early meetings were formal affairs, often concluding with a hearty vote of thanks to both the evening’s lecturer and the “lanternist” responsible for operating early projection equipment. Members explored a wide range of photographic techniques and subjects, including views of the Kidderminster district — themes that remain relevant today.

Despite the belief that “the camera never lies,” photographic manipulation is nothing new. As early as 1908, the Society discussed adding sky and cloud effects to improve images — a reminder that today’s digital techniques have deep historical roots.

At the Society’s first general meeting, there was even a debate about whether women should be allowed to join. Thankfully, membership was opened to ladies — a decision that feels very much ahead of its time.

The Society held its first public exhibition in 1909, displaying over 100 photographs. By the late 1930s, membership had grown to more than 100, making it one of the largest photographic societies in the Midlands. Annual exhibitions became major civic events, opened by the mayor and widely covered in the local press.

The club continues this exhibition tradition today and celebrated its centenary in 2006 with a special exhibition at the Kidderminster Library Gallery.

During the Second World War, meetings were held in the Kingsley Buildings in Vicar Street, where programmes proudly advertised an excellent air raid shelter in the basement. While the club can no longer offer such facilities, it still offers the same warm welcome to anyone interested in photography.