The photographic company that was to become Ilford Ltd, started in 1879 in Ilford, Essex, north east London, UK, when Mr Alfred Hugh Harman (b 1848) set up a business in the basement of his house on the corner of Cranbrook Road and Park Avenue (where the Cranbrook pub' is now). His business expanded and in 1880 it moved to Roden St, trading as the Britannia Works Company, later called Ilford, Limited. Wikipedia says:
"Their (Ilford's) headquarters were based in Roden Street but these were demolished during the early 1980's to make way for a new one-way traffic system to help with the town's traffic problem. A Sainsbury's supermarket now stands on the former site".
The Technical Service Department building, managed by Jack H Coote (see 1952, below), used to be situated in the space which is now Sainsbury's car park (see the 1976 entry, below).

By the 1970s, Ilford's administrative address was 29-37 Roden Street, Ilford IG1 2AB; Tel. 01 478 3000; Telegrams PLATESILFORD. The lower Left Hand corner of this map shows Roden St, and what is presumably the Sainsbury's Super Store. The Park Avenue intersection with Cranbrook Road can be seen towards the upper Left Hand corner of the same map.

The current ILFORD Photo (since 2005, née Iford Imaging; Town Lane, Mobberley, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 7JL, England) is situated on part of the old Rajar factory site at Mobberley, which became the manufacturing premises for Ilford (then Ilford Anitec) in 1996. The original Rajar buildings, which retained the Rajar name long after Ilford acquired the premises in 1928/29 (for details, see the chronology below) were demolished in 2004 and the land sold to Barratt Homes for the construction of around 90 houses, some of which were occupied by March 2007. Ilford retained its newer buildings at the rear of the site.

Tony Usher's website shows some views of the original Ilford buildings, the demolition phase and of a special Rajar building that now survives as a village community facility. This building was preserved, renovated & presented to Mobberley as part of an agreement with Ilford in exchange for the Parish Council supporting Ilford's planning application for housing on the site. Tony Usher worked for Ilford for 40years, the last 18years before retiring being in "Quality Services", the largest of Ilford's quality control facilities. This facility tested film and paper for Production and R&D departments using a huge range of equipment and techniques. Tony was the Technical Manager of QS and he ensured that all the data generated during testing was consistently accurate. His website is well worth a look - scroll down to see the old buildings. The original Rajar Ltd stone plaque can be seen. The preservation of this plaque was also part of the deal with Ilford. Barratts were appraised of the situation at a meeting when they bought the site and Ken Trotman, with Councillor Frank Williamson, ensured the stone was removed to a safe location. Barratts were then badgered to ensure the stone was re-placed.

There is an active Mobberley Village Society with an aim, written into it’s constitution, which "requires the members to seek out any and all facts, and artefacts, relating to the long history of Mobberley and to reinstate all treasures found within the public domain". This Society, through Roger Gittins and Terry Mitchell, has been helpful in supplying various pieces of information and pictures to my Photomemorabilia website. These can be viewed here.

Richard W Holzman has traced the original formal application for registration of this paddle steamer trade mark as it appeared in the 'Trade Mark's Journal'. The application is dated 6th October 1897. This date conflicts with the date reported above (1886), though its quite possible the paddle steamer drawing was in use on Alfred Harman's products for some years before he applied for his drawing to become his expanding company's formal trade mark.

The application was reported in 'The Photographic Dealer' magazine for January 1898. To see the full page image from that magazine, click here.

Alongside is the specific text, extracted and enhanced by Richard.

Selo film dispenser
South Kensington Science Museum (perhaps now at the Bradford Media Museum?).

Dates from a time when size 20 ie 120 film, cost 1/- per roll, probably early 1930s.

Christine Ellis (ex-Sussex, now living in Sydney, Australia) has sent the above views of an Ilford print envelope. As Christine points out, strangely enough it is from a Margate d&p chemist, as is the previous Selo envelope from Anthony Smout. This envelope is believed to date to about 1952 as Christine's husbands' family had moved to Ramsgate in 1948 and then migrated to Australia in 1953 after her husbands' father "did a recce in 1952". Hence, the hand-written capital letter notation on the back cover, reading "Australian snaps" is probably correct.

The three films illustrated are Selochrome ortho, HP3 and FP3, all in 120 roll film format.

This wonderful and well preserved enamel advertising sign (left) is owned by James Lobley.

He says that he found the sign "in the loft of one of my father's chemist shops. I was probably no more than 14 years old when I came across it clearing out that roof space which had been untouched for decades. I've always been quite a strong athletic person, even as a child, so my dad always found good use for my energy and enthusiasm by giving me the tough dirty jobs nobody else wanted! It's now been in my possession for 20 years. He sold his chain almost a decade ago and it's really the only thing I have to remind me of the shops, so sentimental value is quite high".

"You may add it to your site. After spending so many years hidden away under soot and cobwebs I think it deserves it" !

The age of the sign is uncertain, but likely dates to the 1930s. Selo film was being marketed by Ilford from at least September 1930 (see below) and possibly earlier. By 1935 a range of Selo films was being marketed and its possibly significant that the sign refers to the plural 'Selo Films'.

A glass fronted shop cabinet advertising Selochrome Film, British Made by Ilford Limited, Ilford, England.

An image sent to me by Chris Eccles who lives in Canada.

A neon illuminated Selo film advertising sign. The image is by courtesy of Doug McKee. Doug says the side with the neon is actually yellow with red letters but the neon light (colour temperature) affects the result.

I've tried to 'tweak' the colours in the result shown here (left), in line with Doug's description.

This picture of a lorry operated by Ilford Limited was sent to me by John Smailes. The vehicle has the registration plate, F.697, which helps to date the vehicle.

Wikipedia informs us that before 1932, the letter indicated the local authority in whose area the vehicle was registered. In 2008, the registration plate F.1 was sold by Essex County Council, who had held the plate since it was first issued in 1904, when the County became a licensing authority. This conveniently fits with Ilford's ownership of F.697, since Ilford (the town and original base of Ilford Limited) is in the County of Essex, UK.

According to the Essex Record Office, F 697 was registered between 1904 and 1906. The lorry is steam driven; the two men would have been the driver and the fireman. In front of them is the boiler with what appears to be a steam pressure gauge in front of the smoke stack.

Doug McKee has noticed this (but not quite the same) picture appears in the book 'Silver by the Ton' (see below and my 1979 chronology entry), where it is said to be the earliest vehicle used by the Company - a Foden steam wagon.

There seems no acknowledged derivation of the word 'Selo', originally coined in 1920 and which Ilford retained in their 'popular' amateur film 'Selochrome' until c1968. One theory, based upon a phrase within a 1930s book 'How It Is Made', which includes a chapter on film making, is that 'Selo' is an abbreviation for 'Sensitised Celluloid', though a simpler suggestion has been made that it is merely an abbreviation / corruption of the word Celluloid.

Of course, 'Selo' means (postal) stamp in Portugese. Could this be of any significance ? The picture alongside is of a postage stamp dispenser, outside the main Post Office in Lagos, Algarve, Portugal.

'FP' was originally an abbreviation for Fine (grain) Panchromatic (film) and 'HP' for Hypersensitive Panchromatic (film). Hence, strictly grammatically, these film names should be abbreviated to F.P. and H.P., as in the film carton of H.P.2 shown immediately below. As this film carton is dated September 1942, it must be from some of the last batches of H.P.2 film produced (carton images from Charlie Kamerman). Interestingly, this 127 size roll film carton was original intended for Selo Ortho(chromatic) Film and has a sticker relabelling the carton as Hypersensitive Panchromatic film.

In Amateur Photographer magazine for November 1946 there is an Ilford advertisement which refers to Ilford Selo H.P.3 (note the full stops after the H and P, confirming the intention of name abbreviations). By the 29th October 1947 edition, the word Selo has been dropped, but the film is still H.P.3. Then, in a January 1951 AP, the advertisement is for HP3 (no full stops), i.e Ilford have decided to make HP3 a name, not an abbreviation.

At several points in the chronology (below) reference is made to black & white film speeds changing (doubling) in 1960. This arose when American Standard PH2.5-1960 made a change to the previous American Standards Association (ASA) method of speed rating black & white film emulsions by removing an exposure safety factor that had previously been applied. The result was an apparent doubling of flim speeds.

With the greater use, by 1960, of colour films that needed accurate exposure measurement, and therefore greater use of accurate exposure metering systems, the ASA decided there was no longer need for black & white emulsions to retain their previous exposure safety margin.

This link gives access to a short article entitled "The Jump in Film Speeds", by Andrew Matheson. It is extracted from 'PhotoGuide Magazine', Vol.11, No.8, August 1960, pages 662-665.

The American (ASA) speed change, leading to a doubling of black & white film speeds (no change to the actual emulsions) was anticipated would eventually apply in the UK also, and indeed new, increased, film speeds appeared on film packaging during 1960, leading to confusion for some amateurs. One such amateur, Mr Geoffrey Perry, requested clarification about the apparent doubling of black & white film speeds in the readers write "Mailbag" content of the December 1960 issue of "35mm and Sub-Miniature Photography" magazine. The magazine enquired of Ilford Ltd, who gave a Technical Services Note reply, which can be read here. However, the new British Standard that would formally ratify this doubling of film speed was said to still be "expected almost daily" in Amateur Photographer magazine's editorial paragraphs (page 943) as late as 21st June 1961. In fact, AP may have had to wait longer than they anticipated, since the relevant BS 1380 didn't finally arrive until 1963.

Flash exposures were advised to best still be based on the lower (old) film speed rating (ref: Amateur Photographer 'Readers Ask', 11th Jan.1961). Also, the change did NOT apply to colour films, neither negative nor transparency (reversal) films, where no exposure safety margin had ever been incorporated into their speed rating. Colour film always give best results when exposed accurately to the true emulsion speed.

The original basis for the following 'Ilford chronology' was the Ilford Imaging (before ILFORD Photo) web site, but I have expanded that source considerably and am constantly adding to it through my own research and the contributions of the many people who e-mail me. Information relating to Cibachrome development and the 'CIL' products emanating from Ciba Lumière (see the entry for 1963, below) come from Andy Holliman (whose further contribution can be seen on the Sportsman History page). I'm also indebted to Martin Reed of SilverPrint who provided me with some of the facts relating to the years 1975 thr' 1999 which I have incorporated into my own. Items marked (Ref: D.M) have been provided to me by Doug McKee. Some of the booklets and leaflets that are illustrated belong to David Muggleton; others belong to Paul Godfrey who has been generous in sharing his items, often backed-up by information based upon his professional experiences.

There is always uncertainty about the accuracy of historical information so do e-mail if you can improve on the information contained below.

The list of Ilford plates, flat film and roll film in the following table is abridged. A full list can be found in the book 'Silver by the Ton - A History of Ilford Limited 1879-1979' by RJ Hercock and GA Jones, two distinguished Ilford employees. The publishers are McGraw-Hill Book Co (UK) Ltd, Shoppenhangers Rd, Maidenhead, Berks, SL6 2QL; 176 pages illustrated in black & white. The ISBN is 0-07-084525-5. In August 1979 it was priced at £9.95 in hardback

ILFORD Photo's own chronology 'Why Ilford? - History' can be viewed at http://www.ilfordphoto.com/aboutilford/page.asp?n=1

September 1889, a monthly news sheet was introduced called 'Photographic Scraps'. Doug Mckee has copies from No.35, July 1893 to No.50, October 1893. He also has a copy dated March 1899. The July 1893 issue No.47 shown alongside has the foreword "The monthly issue is now over 29,000 and copies can be had from photographic stock dealers throughout the world, from China to Peru. Any dealer who does not get a sufficient supply, should drop us a postcard stating his wants." By June 1908, the circulation had reached 40,000 monthly, see bottom of p8 of the pdf here.

A web page devoted to 'Photographic Scraps', where copies can be downloaded as pdf files, is available by clicking here.

"Photographic Scraps" ceased publication in 1914 and didn't restart after World War 1.

The company (still privately owned) was registered as 'Britannia Works Co. Ltd' on 17th December. First Board Meeting was held on 2nd December.

Kodak began manufacturing in Harrow, Middlesex, UK around mid-1891, future competitors to the Britannia Works Co. and Ilford. Kodak's Managing Director was Mr.W.H.Walker. "The evergrowing popularity of transparent rollable film, the improvements made in the Kodak (camera) and the enormous sale of bromide paper necessitated manufacturing in the UK."

In 'Photographic Scraps' for 1st August 1892, there is an announcement of 'The ILFORD Year Book, Diary, and Register of Exposures'.
"Full particulars, specimen pages, and woodcut next month; 180 pages, bound in French morocco, 1/-. The issue for 1893 (must have been the first issue) will be ready on 1st November next (i.e.1892), and it is proposed to make it an annual volume. To ensure prompt publication it is now in the printer's hands, and export orders will be executed on and after the 1st October next."

Ron May owns an 1895 copy of 'The ILFORD Year Book' (the title seems to have been abbreviated since the 1892 announcement, above) and has provided scans of its cover and a few of its 180 pages. To view these, click here.
Page 169 announces that 32,000 copies of 'The Ilford Manual of Photography' had been sold by the time this 1895 Year Book had been published (around November 1894).

Introduction of 'EMPRESS' (9ASA) Plates, see here.

Introduction of SPECIAL RAPID (13ASA) Plates, see here.

Introduction of PROCESS (0.55ASA) Plates.

Introduction of 'CHROMATIC' Plate (4.5ASA)

In 1897 and again in 1903, Eastman Kodak approached the company with a view to a take-over or an amalgamation, but nothing came of these proposals.

Bromide Platinomatt Surface paper – (‘PMS’ paper) introduced. See packet cover image alongside, courtesy of Michael Talbert. See here.

Ilford market their first camera, the Falling Plate magazine cut film camera (though records suggest it was in the process of being commercialised from 1899). This quarter plate magazine 'box' camera was advertised as able to be loaded in less than a minute with sufficient cut film to take 40 exposures before reloading. Ilford manufactured their own special film with a cardboard backing. The illustrated camera is within the collection of the National Museum of Science & Industry, Bradford & London, inventory number 1976-537 (now the National Media Museum).

The 1903 & 1904 BJPA gives the price of the camera as £5 with the Bausch & Lomb Rapid Rectilinear f8 lens in Unicum Shutter (T,B, 1-1/100s; as in the NMSI collection) or £8.8s (£8.40p) for the Ross Symmetric Anastigmat lens in Lopa Shutter. Ilford Special Rapid Films, in boxes of 20, cost 3s/4d (16.5p) postage extra. A camera price of £5 is equivalent to around £350 in 2005 money, based upon a comparison of the retail price index.

The 'Photographic Scraps' monthly news sheet (now "post free for 12 months for 6d" - 2.5p) which started in August 1889 (see above) was still in circulation and had reached a monthly circulation of 40,000, see bottom half of p8 of the pdf here. It finally ceased publication in 1914.

See pdf here for a 1908 (F.8) leaflet that includes Platona, Bromide paper & rolls of the time, Plates & films, Kalona self-toning paper, GasLight paper, P.O.P, Bromona & announcement of the 205th thousandth Ilford Manual of Photography.

"Imperial Handbook for 1919", produced by The Imperial Plate Co. Ltd, Cricklewood, London, NW2.
Scanned and sent by Paul Godfrey. To see the booklet as a PDF file, click the image or here. A small part of the overall text is written on the inside of the front and back, red, covers and is difficult to read, but can be deciphered by zooming the PDF image to around 200%.

Imperial was already under Ilford Limited influence by 1919, and was possibly already owned by Ilford Ltd. (see the chronology 1928-1930 'slot' below). Paul tells me, based upon information from the book "Silver By The Ton" (see text under 'Ilford Chronology' above), that Imperial produced one of these books each year until 1927. Thereafter, it may have been deemed (by Ilford Ltd) time to let this book lapse and incorporate its information into the Ilford Manual of Photography.

The 'Selo' company was formed with the purpose of carrying out the joint R&D and sensitising of roll films, for all of the companies now falling under the Ilford company "umbrella". Ilford at this time imported its film base material, first from the Celluloid Corporation (USA) and later from Gevaert (Belgium).
Selo was initially formed by an amalgamated group consisting of Ilford, Imperial and Gem plus (in 1928) a consortium of four other UK manufacturers that had originally (in 1921) combined (with three others) under the name of APM (Amalgamated Photograhic Manufacturers Ltd; London).
APM was formed in 1921 (as APM 1921) and at that time consisted of the seven British companies, viz: Kershaw Optical Co Ltd; A Kershaw & Son Ltd; Marion & Foulgar Ltd; Rotary Photographic Co Ltd; Rajar Ltd; Paget Prize Plate Co. Ltd. and Marion & Co Ltd. In 1928, four of these seven i.e.Rotary Photographic Co Ltd; Rajar Ltd; Paget Prize Plate Co. Ltd and Marion & Co. Ltd, all being the ones who made sensitised materials, became APeM Ltd (Amalgamated Photographic Equipment Manufacturers) and subsequently became part of Ilford, Ltd (though Rotary had already joined with Rajar in 1917).
The remaining three i.e. Kershaw Optical Co Ltd, A Kershaw & Son Ltd and Marion & Foulgar Ltd, then became Kershaw-Soho Ltd. They later became part of the J Arthur Rank Organisation.

Selo films were sold by these companies under their own labels. The 'Selo' company was situated in Woodman Road, Warley, Brentwood, Essex. Although the name 'Selo' was officially dropped in 1946 (see below) the Brentwood factory continued to be known as 'The Selo Factory' until it was sold and the site subsequently levelled in the early 1980s.

Sharon Ellis has sent me a picture showing her Great Uncle, James Charles Emberson, as a member of a 'gang' of workers constructing (or extending) the Selo Factory in May 1921.

What is the derivation of the name 'Selo' ?? No one seems to know. Could it stand for 'Sensitised Celluloid' film? Or maybe it just refers to its purpose to 'Sensitise Roll Films'.

Ilford Cinematograph Film

Iso-Zenith plates, speed 700 HD originally, or 50ASA in the post-1960 speed rating system. The text on the box gives the formula and development times for the recommended ID-2 Metol-Hydroquinone (M.Q) developer and ID-11 M.Q Borax developer. Also, a formula for the recommended fixing bath. BUT, the illustrated pack is dated post-1930 and hence the information on the rear of an original 1923 pack of Iso-Zenith plates may well have been different to that shown here.

In this respect, I'm indebted to Edwin Garcia for pointing out that Kodak's D-76 developer, identical to Ilford's ID-11, is believed to pre-date ID-11 and to have been devised by a gentleman named Capstaff in 1926. Unless, therefore, ID-11 actually predates D-76 by three years, the original 1923 Iso-Zenith pack couldn't have shown mention of ID-11. Since my 1934 booklet "Ilford Plates and Films" (see below) omits mention of the ID-11 formula, and also doesn't use the ID naming system, it seems more likely that Kodak's D-76 actually predates ID-11, as is commonly supposed. My 1937 booklet "Ilford Book of Formulae" (see below) does use the ID naming system, so perhaps the use of the ID naming system was introduced between 1934 and 1937.

First attempt at manufacturing a subtractive type of negative-positive colour 'tri-pak' roll film in conjunction with a small concern called Colour Snaps Ltd. The process proved difficult and was wound up in 1930.

Introduction of Ilford Soft Graduation Panchromatic Plates, 28ASA - would have been 56ASA in 1960 revision - reflected in the plates having an Ilford speed rating Group E. To see a close up of a similar box image, plus others provided by Simon Spaans, click here.

Also, Ilford Ultra-rapid Roll Film, 28ASA.

There is no doubt there were significant mergers between various of the smaller UK photographic companies and Ilford, Limited, at this time. The exact chronology and commercial details are somewhat obscure and the following should only be taken as a guide to events.

Ilford acquired the Mobberley site (owned by Rajar Ltd since 1903), in the take-over of the various companies within the Selo organisation formed in 1920. APM, a part of Selo from 1921, was split and a new organisation formed, called APeM (Amalgamated Photographic Equipment Manufacturers ). APeM subsequently (maybe by 1929) became part of Ilford, consisting of Rotary Photographic Co Ltd; Rajar Ltd; Paget Prize Plate Co. Ltd (see picture, courtesy of John Wyllie), and Marion & Co Ltd. The other part of APM (camera manufacturers Kershaw Optical Co Ltd; A Kershaw & Son Ltd. and Marion & Foulgar Ltd) became Soho Ltd.

Wellington & Ward (based at Elstree, near London) joined Ilford by 1930. Ilford had already (by 1920) some commercial involvement with other old-established UK photographic businesses, viz: The Imperial Dry Plate Co.Ltd; Thomas Illingworth & Co.Ltd and The Gem Dry Plate Co.Ltd, but possibly the merger with APeM lead to Ilford exercising more direct control over all these previously small independents. Click on the above links to see some original advertising logos used by these companies. Some of the scans by courtesy of an email correspondent "David".

Quoting from a Supplement to 'Ilford News' Series 1, Number 6 (see 1939 below) "The effect of this great merger was a unique pooling of experience, knowledge and craftsmanship. The best brains of the companies concerned became at once concentrated in the research and production of one company's products, with the result that many important new products were produced and improvements effected in various existing grades."

Between 1918 and 1939 Ilford acquired directly or through subsidiaries some dozen businesses engaged in the manufacture of photographic goods of various descriptions. During the 1930s a number of distribution centres were set up in different parts of the country and factories or branches were established in five European countries and in India and Australia.

During the next 30 years, Ilford's Mobberley site began to concentrate on the manufacture of photographic paper. The large rolls of paper were transported to the Essex factory for cutting, packing and distribution.

This 8-page leaflet of Ilford products has been extracted from the 1930 BJPA Almanac. Although dated 1930, the Almanac was presents information on goods and events from the previous year, so represents products from Ilford that were on sale in 1929 (see footnote). Click here, or the image, to download the leaflet as a pdf file. Made available by David Muggleton.

Interestingly, there is no mention of Selo products at this time. Ilford roll film is still named, simply, Ilford Roll Film, speed H&D350 suitable for "Snapshots, all subjects all weathers." The H&D350 speed is equivalent to around 25ASA (ISO) on the post-1960 rating basis.

The marketing name Selo, for roll films, must have first appeared in 1930 (see below).

The Selo company had effectively already come under Ilford control by 1925 but it seems that the name 'Selo' was not adopted by Ilford as their film brand name until 1930 (see above).

Once in use, the name Selo survived in the film name 'Selochrome' until around 1968. Click here, or the adverts alongside, to see how Selo film was being advertised in September 1930.

The 1930 AP advert shows that Ilford size No.20 'Selo' film cost 1/- for 8 exposures.

Ilford Panchromatic Film (32ASA) introduced.

Ilford's advert suggests "Still Time for Daylight Printing - Finish off those Summer Prints with INTONA, the Ilford Self-Toning P.O.P (printing out paper). It prints right out so that progress may be watched. The paper with the minimum trouble and the most artistic results. Tones ranging from beautiful browns to photographic purple, obtained at will with Hypo (fixer) only. No other chemical required."
P.O.P paper was used in contacting printing frames to produce positive images merely by the action of light through the negative; it required no developer. When the image looked to have reached the desired density, it just required to be fixed to be made permanent. P.O.P was the fore-runner to 'gaslight' paper that later became known as 'contact' paper. These latter papers did require development as well as fixing but were much 'faster' than P.O.P so needed to be exposed to strong light for just a few seconds before development. P.O.P was very slow and required an exposure of several minutes to daylight - hence Ilford suggesting, in their September advert (click here for an enlarged image), that there was still time for Daylight Printing.

An early 116 size (6 exposures each 2½"x4¼") roll of Selo Orthochromatic film, dated "Develop Before July 1933".

This roll was presumably exported to the continent as it's labelled "Importe d'Angleterre" (French for "Made in England").

Image from Charlie Kamerman.

This red & black covered 36 page booklet is entitled "ILFORD Plates and Films" and bears Ilford's steamer logo above the words "Ilford Limited, Ilford London". It is presumed to date to February 1934 from the B34 footnote on the back cover.

It describes the various plates, flat film and roll films available at that time, with useful information relating to their H&D speed rating, exposure and development (tank and dish). It concludes by considering negative defects and describes reduction and intensification techniques, plus how to avoid dichroic fog, 'frilling', halation and coloured patches.

Selo panchromatic (see entry above) is rated at H&D (Hurter & Driffield) 1,200; perhaps 100ASA, barely medium speed by modern standards. Possibly it was this film which was improved and became Hypersensitive Panchromatic (HP) - see below.

The Ilford Courier, No.3 Volume 2, for June 1934. The front cover shows the Selo soldier leading a Selo girl riding a beach donkey. Click the image or here to download a pdf copy.

The Courier was a 215mm by 135mm, 14 page, marketing booklet to convey ilford company strategy to the trade. It was particularly concernbed with encouraging good marketing by the trade in the direct contact with customers. This particular issue was wishing the trade to offer the new Selo Rayon printing paper, with 3½"x2½" prints costing 'only' ½d (old pence) more, at 2½d (1p) per print, instead of 2d for the long established glossy paper. Selo costumes, to imitate the Selo girl and the Selo soldier, were available on hire to the trade free of charge and carriage paid, "use them for your local hospital carniivals, fetes etc".

(See 1939, below, for another issue of the Courier, celebrating 60years of Ilford).

Alongside is an Ilford advert for Selochrome roll film from the rear cover of a June 20th, 1934 issue of the UK magazine "The Amateur Photographer & Cinematographer" which subsequently became Amateur Photographer (AP) magazine, still on weekly UK sale in 2008.

The scan was sent to me by Marc Akemann, a US member of the APUG internet forum.

Click here or on the thumbnail to see a larger image.

Ilford Hypersensitive Panchromatic (HP) 160ASA and Fine Grain Panchromatic (FP) 28ASA roll film introduced.

Ilford Ltd acquired an interest in Dufay-Chromex Ltd. (14-16 Cockspur Street, London; later Dufay Ltd.) for whom it started to manufacture a reversal colour film of the additive type under the brand name Dufaycolor. Dufaycolor had previously (from 1932) been available in England only as 16mm & 9.5mm ciné film, but Ilford's expertise and finance enabled it to be marketed for still photography in 35mm, roll, sheet and film pack forms. Although processing was relatively simple (and instructions were published), Ilford offered a service for roll films.
A 120 size roll film, for 6 exposures, cost 3s/4d (16.5p), over three times the cost of an 8 exposure b&w film (see 1936, below) and developing (to colour transparencies) cost another 1s/6d (7.5p). Hence, 6 Dufaycolor transparencies cost a total of 4/10d (24p), more than £10 in 2005 money.
See some Dufaycolor examples taken about 1936 by John Daly's father, Melvin.
The Dufaycolor film had a speed rating of around 10ASA (some sources say 8ASA, 21Sch), a third of a conventional b&w film of the day. (Ref: Brian Coe, "Colour Photography, The first hundred years 1840-1940", page 72).
Accessories for Viewing Dufaycolor roll film transparencies were available - see the 1938 leaflet sent to me by Brian Wilkinson.

Ilford came under the control of the Ministry of Aircraft Production at the outbreak of war in 1939 and post-1945 it didn't resume an interest in additive colour (prior to WW2, Ilford had already started R&D into subtractive colour). However, Dufay Ltd survived into the 1950s and Dufaycolor film was still being disposed through Amateur Photographer 'small ads' in the early 1960s; viz. a 100ft 35mm bulk roll is priced at £1 and a 50ft roll at 12/6d (62.5p). Processing kits for four films are priced at 12/6d (62.5p) or processing vouchers (presumably for one film) at 6/- (30p).

This 32 page 180mm by 120mm booklet explains techniques for making lantern slides from existing negatives, by contact or reduction printing. "Of all the fascinating bypaths of photography it is doubtful whether any gives such complete satisfaction and permanent pleasure as the making and exhibition of lantern slides. ...it enables the photographer to see his pictures at their very best, and to share his pleasure with a large or small circle of friends. The amateur photographer with scientific or artistic inclinations.....can producer lantern lectures of the utmost educational value."

Recommended Ilford lantern plates are 'Special' for brilliant black tone, 'Warm Black' for warm image tone, 'Alpha' for slide making by contact and 'Gaslight', which can be handled in subdued artificial light and especially suitable for weak negatives. The rear page shows the booklet to be printed in England with a J35 footnote, indicating October 1935.

Amateur films are listed as Selochrome, the extra fast roll film for fine grain, Selo Fine Grain Panchromatic roll film, fully colour corrected and of extreme speed and fine grain, and Selo Hypersensitive Panchromatic Roll Film, "the fastest panchromatic roll film made".

Selochrome 'Super Speed' film pack, containing 12 flat films size 4¼" x 3¼" (Size No.18).
Introduced in 1935, with a speed rating (ref: Silver by the Ton) of 50ASA (using the post-1960 speed rating standard).
"Highly ortho, anti halo, multi coated."
The pack illustrated bears a 'develop before September 1939' instruction and is Batch No.75C6B-F876.

The instruction leaflet with this film pack was printed in April 1934 (D34) but is presumably an instruction leaflet appropriate to all contemporary Ilford Film Packs so may not have been printed for this specific film. 'Silver by the Ton' lists the Selochrome 'Super Speed' film pack's first appearance to 1935.

A cardboard box that originally contained 16 quarter plate size (3¼"x4¼") Ilford Process Plates.

I believe their use was in high contrast copying. The recommended developer was ID13, which was Ilford's developer for 'photomechanical work' resulting in 'screen' or 'line' negatives or positives. After the plates were developed & fixed the resulting image could be cleared (using Farmer's reducer which increases contrast) or bleached and intensified.

All the relevant formulae appear on the front of the box, beneath the title 'ILFORD PROCESS PLATES', and the box has the footnote D35, indicating its selling date was probably April 1935.

A copy of "The Ilford Message" magazine [volume 1 number 3] was auctioned through ebay January 2006. I've no information on this publication, so anyone who recognises it, I'd be interested to learn more. The ebay vendor described it as being supplied FREE by Ilford to various photographic shops & distributors, to promote Ilford products. This particular edition contains a centre spread on the 'new' Dufaycolor film (probably an announcement relating to Ilford's involvement in this technology which began in 1935, see above).

A 28 page booklet entitled "ILFORD book of Formulae", footnote A37, hence presumed January 1937.

It lists formulae for Ilford Developer (ID) 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 11 (i.e. the famous ID-11, same as Kodak's D-76), 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 33, 34, 35, and 36, and advises on their specific uses. There is also much other chemical information on toning prints, hypo eliminator, emulsion hardening, rapid drying, desensitization, intensifiers and reducers, fixing baths, developer stain removing etc etc.

Cezar Popescu has kindly provided me with a scanned version of this booklet, which he has made word searchable by using OCR software. Click the image to download it as a 5MB pdf file.

The 22nd edition of 'Panchromatism', price 6d (2.5p) by ILFORD Ltd. Pictures courtesy of Roy Hammans. A letter from Ilford (letter heading shown 1940, below) was contained within the book when Roy purchased it. The letter was in response to questions about information in the book. The book has no date and so it has been assumed to date to 1937, as the 23rd edition (see below) is known to date to May 1938.

The book contains the separate Ilford 'colour' test chart, illustrated alongside.
The text below the colour test chart can be read here. "If a photograph (of the chart) is taken using a (b&w) panchromatic plate and a filter giving full (colour) correction, the two halves of the test chart should approx. match.

This copy of 'Night Photography ~ Picture making at night - indoors and out', was owned by Charles Read, ARPS, who was a founder member of the Great Yarmouth & District Photographic Society and collected items of photographic nostalgia. Unfortunately Charles died in August 2008, whereupon some GYDPS members were given the task of sorting out his collection.

Paul Godfrey, who was a member of the GYDPS in his youth (he left in 1968) keeps in touch with friends who are still members. It was through that connection that Paul was able to send me the scan of the cover of the booklet and also a pdf file of the book's contents. Click here or on the thumbnail of the cover (left) to download the pdf. It extols the virtues of Selo Hypersensitive Panchromatic roll film and plates (35mm users had to wait until 1938 for the release of HP2).

Paul points out the similarity between this booklet (dated November 1937; K37) with the booklet 'Winter and Night Photography ~ Indoors and Out' which is shown below in the (August) 1938 'slot'. The difference seems to be that the 1938 booklet includes mention of HP2 film for the 35mm user.

Ilford started the free distribution of an 8 page News Sheet called 'Ilford News - for Photographic Societies' to subscribing photographic clubs. The issue alongside (Series 1 No 2) carries the information:

"We should indeed be ungrateful did we not publicly express our thanks for the many hundreds of congratulatory letters which we have received on the first number of "Ilford News" and also for the many excellent suggestions sent us. We shall endeavour to make use of these suggestions as it is our desire to make this journal of the utmost use to all society and club members. It has been made clear to us from your letters that "Ilford News" has received a spontaneous welcome and we shall spare no effort to maintain the standard of the first number for all issues of the journal."

Issue 2 must have been published in December 1938 as it carries the holly framed message "A Happy Christmas to all Photographers; Ilford Limited".

Ilford Anti-Halo Fine Grain Ordinary Flat Film. Speed rating unknown.

Ilford Ordinary Plates introduced. Very slow speed, Ilford Group A, Weston 3; equivalent to maybe 8ASA / ISO in the modern speed rating system.
The film pack image shown here courtesy of Bernard Rose.
Although 'Ordinary' plates were first marketed in 1938, this package must date from much later - compare it with the earlier packaging of Fine Grain Flat Plates, shown above. Since it does not bear the paddle steamer trade mark, it likely dates from post-WW2. Ordinary Plates were still being sold in 1950.

23rd edition of the 44 page Ilford Ltd booklet entitled 'Panchromatism', price 6d (2.5p) and dated May 1938, illustrated courtesy of David Muggleton.

As with the 22nd edition (see 1937 above) it deals with the needs of getting a truly correct rendering of all colours in terms of their grey scale brightness, set against a colour scale (see 1937 for a picture of that scale).

Apart from any pictorial or scientific requirement, an accurate 'colour' balance of subjects recorded on black and white film was necessary for the production of colour 'separation' negatives as a step towards producing additive colour slides or subtractive process prints e.g. by the trichrome carbro process.

A 40 page booklet produced by Ilford Ltd and dated August 1938 (H38 - illustrated courtesy of David Muggleton) entitled 'Winter and Night Photography ~ Indoors and Out'. Ilford used this booklet to appeal to amateur photographers who might otherwise put their camera away from October to April, expecting the winter light to be too dull for picture-making. Ilford stressed that this reason was now made obsolete with the introduction of Selo Hypersensitive Panchromatic roll film and Hypersensitive Fine Grain Panchromatic (H.P.2) film for 35mm users. In both cases the film speed had recently been increased to H&D 3,500; 31° Scheiner (maybe 200ASA in modern terms).

The Selo films 'family' at the time consisted of Selo Ortho (26°), Selo Chrome (29°), Selo F.P (27°) and Selo H.P. (31°), all being roll films, and Selo Chrome (27°), Selo F.P (24°) and Selo H.P.2 (31°) for 35mm cameras.

Roll film H.P.2 and F.P.2 were introduced in 1939, see entry below.

Series 1 Volume 6 of 'Ilford News' (see above) carries a Supplement with the heading "Sixty Years of Progress".

"Sixty years of applied research and strenuous work in the service of photography is the proud record of Ilford Limited whose Diamond Jubilee is celebrated this year."

Apart from the Chairman (see left) Major-General Sir Ivor Philipps, K.C.B; D.S.O, others named are Mr F.F.Renwick (research dept); Dr.Olaf Bloch (photographic emulsions); Dr.Kendall (sensitizing dyes in the Rodenside laboratory - see the 1940 entry for his contribution to replacing the developing agent Metol with Phenidone); Dr.G.B.Harrison & Dr.S.O.Rawling (Selo Laboratories).

The Ilford Courier, Vol.8 No.2 for June 1939. (see above, 1934, for an earlier copy). Click here, or the image, to download a copy as a pdf file.

As in Ilford News (above) the Chairman Major-General Sir Ivor Philipps authored a 3 page account of the company's technology progress since it started 60 years previously.

An interesting article on the exposure latitude of Selo film, where the film was subjected to exposures of the same sunny outdoors subject over an exposure range of 3,000:1, and claiming all negatives gave acceptable prints. From ten times under-exposed to 300 times over-exposed. Such latuitude was claimed to be good for film sales as snapshot success was virtually guaranteed.

Booklet produced in June 1939 detailing the production of Lantern Slides from negatives. "Of all the fascinating bypaths of photography, it is doubtful whether any gives such complete satisfaction and permanent pleasure as the making and exhibition of lantern slides".
Special Lantern plates in 3 degrees of contrast for slide making by contact or reduction methods. Warm Black Lantern plates yield beautiful warm black tones. Alpha Lantern plates for slide maiing by contact, give a wonderful variety of colour by varying exposure and development. Gaslight Lantern plates for use in subdued artificial light. Specially suitable for making slides from weak negatives.

For similar, see 1935. Thanks to David Muggleton for the loan of this booklet.

Another Ilford booklet, courtesy of David Muggleton.

Dated H39, so August 1939, this booklet encourages the taking of pictures by artifical light, Photofloods and flash powder, so that photography can continue throughout the winter months.

To view the complete booklet as a pdf, click the image or here.

A 9.5mm metal cine film spool, clearly embossed with the brand name SELO.

It is owned by Christine Ellis and interestingly is of the less common 9.5mm format. Christine says "...taken in Warwickshire...The Selo reel is about 1939 (maybe 1940) as it contains film of my husband and his older brother ......."

Also embossed onto the film spool are the words "FOR PROJECTOR USE ONLY".

Ilford Micro Neg Microfilm.

Ilford HP3 Roll & 35mm Film first appeared. Initially 125ASA (250ASA post-1960). Around 1952-53 it became 200ASA (post 1960 the 200ASA emulsion was revised to 400ASA but there was no actual speed increase, it was in recognition that with better exposure determination methods at that time, there was no longer need for all film manufacturers to include an exposure safety margin. This 2x speed increase applied to all black&white films of all makes).

Ilford launched FP3 and HP3 plates, the latter 200ASA (400ASA equivalent, post 1960) which was higher than the first release of HP3 films.

The pictures are believed to show the early and later packaging colours. For other HP3 plate & cut film packaging, between these two versions, view here.

During the war years Ilford were proud of their Lecture Team 'which carried on'.
"Throughout the war many photographic societies carried on as usual and the Ilford team of lecturers kept their dates and fulfilled their obligations. This is a service Ilford maintained throughout the war to foster and maintain enthusiasm."

Lancelot Vining, FRPS (Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society and Member of the Council), FIBP (Fellow of the Institute of British Photographers), was one of the Ilford Team of Lecturers. Mr Vining was still providing this Ilford service to photographic clubs in 1952/53, together with Donald Allen, Karl Pollak and D S Moran.
Lancelot Vining worked as a Daily Mirror press photographer before the First World War. Called up in 1916 he joined what was then The Royal Flying Corp. They sent him to Farnborough Photographic School where he was given the rank of Wing Photographic Officer and based at Netherhaven (information from John Coathup, PCCGB).
Lancelot Vining spent 40 years in Fleet St as Art Editor and Press Photographer. He was also author of the famous book 'My Way with a Miniature', first published in 1941 and reprinted in 1942, '43 and '44. He had a regular column in Amateur Photographer from 1941 entitled 'Miniature Camera Gossip' to do with all things 35mm. He was a 'prickly' character who spoke his mind !

Another member of the Ilford lecture team throughout the war and afterwards, was Henry G. Russell A.R.P.S. F.R.S.A. Known as Harry to his family and friends. Anthony (Tony) Russell, his son, provided me with this insight.

Henry Russell wrote a feature called "Between Ourselves" under the pseudonym "Minicam" in Miniature Camera Magazine (MCM) from (almost) its inception until the mid-1950s. MCM first appeared around December 1936 and Henry's first contribution (6 pages) appeared in the October 1937 edition (Vol.1 No.11). The photograph is from the 'banner' at the top of the early editions. He ran his own company, handling advertising for Ilford, Photax and Johnsons. From 1938, until he died in 1960, Henry was responsible for 80% of Ilford's advertising copy. He also authored a considerable number of books on "miniature" photography. He was a respected Exhibition Judge and wrote articles under his own name for the monthly magazine 'Camera World' during the mid-1950s.

Red Seal Acetate Medical & Dental X-Ray Film.

The image alongside, sent by Mike Ratcliff, is believed to illustrate the type of box used to supply this product. Click here, or on the image, for an enlarged view.
See also (1976 chronology 'slot') images of further X-Ray materials (1956-1977) sent by Bob Chaffee.

An Ilford Limited letterhead, dated January 1944 (thanks to Roy Hammans). It shows its war time heritage by saying ILFORD LONDON 'Contractors to His Majestys Government'.

The 'Paddle Steamer' trademark is on the LHS and the SELO trademark is on the RHS.
Beneath the Paddle Steamer it says 'Manufacturers of Ilford and Selo Photographic Materials'.

The paddle-steamer trademark, used since 1886, was dropped and the new advertising slogan "Ilford films, for Faces and Places" was coined.

Ilford's Lecture Service, which operated throughout the War (see 1942 above) announced "Today, with calm restored, we are more eager then ever to provide the services of our qualified team of lecturers, so if you have a vacant date, drop a line to the Ilford Lecture Service, Ilford Ltd, London."

In AP for 5th September 1945, John Milner, the Hon. Sec. Petersfield Photographic Society writes "I feel the time has come to thank Messrs. Ilford, Ltd, publicly and wholeheartedly for the wonderful way in which they have helped photographic societies to carry on during the alst five or six war years, by sending their lecturers and demonstrators all over the country, and at no cost whatever to the societies concerned. The Petersfield Photographic Society acknowledges that it owes this fine firm a great debt, and it is to be hoped that clubs and their members will bear in mind that the products of this company are second to none, when the market becomes flooded with foreign merchandise."

A V-2 rocket landed on Ilford's original Roden Street factory one day (this site, suggests 20th February 1945). The emulsion laboratories were in an old building with the windows permanently blocked out. The explosion blew the windows in so that light could enter, and this interrupted manufacturing. See the end of this web page for more details.
Also, see the following paragraph for the more serious consequences of this air attack.

Thanks to David Mittelstadt for pointing the following out to me, and to Martin Reed of Silverprint for its source.
A leaflet (here in pdf format) entitled "The Remarkable Achievements of Photography in the War ~ A Story of the War Effort of ILFORD, Ltd, Ilford, London". It records that in the above V-2 rocket attack, 3 emloyeees were killed and 12 wounded.

6 exposure Selochrome film with an August 1946 expiry date.

Ilford speed rating 'E', B.S.I. Scheiner 29°. Equivalent to ASA 64 (same speed as the FP3 film above).

An Ilford Selochrome print of the entrance to the newly opened HMP Falfield, later to become Leyhill Prison in Tortworth Court, between Gloucester and Bristol. It was taken by a (then) 10 year old Tony Cunnane whose father was a prison officer. Tony has an extensive web site describing his life and RAF career, including 11 years as the Red Arrows Public Relations Officer.

Tony quotes the Ilford advertising slogan "Focus right then gently press: Ilford Selo spells success". It was widely used in newspaper and magazine adverts of the time and certainly during the latter years of the war. He recalls it was often associated with an attractive girl posing provocatively, a camera to her eye, taking a ‘snap’ of her boy friend or scenic view.

A 42 page booklet, priced at 2s/6d (12.5p), describing the use of Ilford contact and enlargement print materials through all stages of their use including choice of developers, print toning, presentation & choice of border and finally titling the finished exhibition print. A footnote on the last page shows PE/C.47, presumably meaning it was published in March 1947. The printers are Lund Humphries who give a number 18677.3.47, which again indicates March 1947.

A small pocket in the rear cover of the booklet contains "Specimen Surfaces of Ilford Bromide, Plastika and Contact papers".

Work started on a silver dye-bleach process for making prints directly from colour transparancies, pioneered by Dr Bela Gaspar in the 1930s but mainly used for motion pictures (Gaspar based his work on that started by Austrian, Karl Schnitzel, in 1905). The process, which eventually became Cibachrome (see 1963), produced the first successful prints around 1949. This work lead to the launch, in 1953, of a service to provide colour prints from transparencies

Take a look at THE PHOTOGRAPHIC HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA site where there is a page devoted to Alf Pyner, who joined Ilford after his time in the RAF during WW2 and had a long association with Ilford’s experiments to develop colour materials.

General release of 'Advocate' Series 1 camera with 35mm f4.5 Dallmeyer bloomed lens, shutter 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, 1/200 and B. £22.11s.6d (£22.58p).

Ilford Colour Film Type "A" introduced. Amateur Photographer magazine for 30th November has a Wallace Heaton advert which prices 35mm Ilford daylight Type 'D' colour film in 18 (half length) exposure cassettes at 16s/4d (82p) and 20 exposure Type 'A' cassettes at 18s/6d (92.5p), including processing. Postage extra 4d (1.5p). By 1955 both films were sold in 20 exposure cassettes for 21s/6d (£1.8p), inclusive of processing.

The 1949 BJPA (p239) carries an announcement of 'Ilford Sellotape'. "Sellotape is a self-adhesive, clear cellulose tape which adheres firmly to almost any surface. It is strong and pliable, and thus suitable for many sealing purposes, and other darkroom and studio uses. Sellotape is supplied in rolls, 8½yds in length by 5/8inch wide, in a metal dispenser which can be carried in the pocket and into which refill rolls can easily be loaded. The top of this container allows the required length of Sellotape to be torn off with either a straight or a saw toothed edge. The price of the dispenser, complete with a roll of Sellotape, is 2s.(10p), plus purchase tax; refill rolls cost 1s.(5p) each, plus purchase tax."
My thanks to D.M for pointing out this entry.

Release of the Ilford 'Craftsman', a simple 120 or 620 roll film reflex finder roll film camera, with 1/25th, 1/75th sec & 'B' shutter + f9 & f18 apertures. Focusses down to 4ft. Price £7.10s.6d (£7.53p), case £2.1s.3d (£2.06p).

The Craftsman was assembled in the same factory, Northern Scientific Equipment Ltd; Bark Street, Bolton, as the Witness.

The Ilford 'Prentice' first appeared, a basic 120 Roll Film folding camera very similar to the Kershaw Penguin.

The Prentice cost £3.13s.6d plus £1.11s.1d purchase tax (£5.23p).
At this time, a 120 roll film cost around 2s/7d (13p).

'Picture Beautiful Britain' leaflet describing the Ilford Film range in the run up to the 'Festival of Britain' May to September 1951. Recommended films were HP3, FP3 and PanF for 35mm cameras (125, 64 and 16ASA respectively) and Selochrome orthochromatic roll film (80ASA).

"This year, when more people than ever will be taking photographs of places visited and of the friends with whom they will share the enjoyment of the Festival celebration, increasing numbers of discriminating amateur photographers will be putting their trust in Ilford films."
"Pageantry, in which this country excels, will play an important part in the Festival of Britain celebrations and will provide a photographic story of tremendous interest."

This 20 page booklet entitled Ilford Colour Films was published by Ilford Limited, Ilford, London, around February 1952 (?, based upon the rear cover printer's number ICF/B52/PLH). It describes the principles of additive and subtractive colour processes and determination of exposure under daylight & artificial light for the 10ASA Ilford Colour Films type D and A.

The text predates the 1953 announcement of an Ilford service to provide colour prints from transparancies as the end-note in italics says "Ilford Ltd does not undertake the preparation of colour prints or black & white prints from transparencies, or the preparation of duplicate transparencies." To view a PDF scan of a leaflet describing Colour Films A & D, see the 1956 chronology 'slot'.

In 1952 Ilford and Geigy set up Gyl Chemicals Ltd to manufacture Hydroquinone.

Ilford introduce high speed HPS plates (400 ASA - post-1960 re-rated at 800ASA) in time for press work during the 1953 Coronation Year.

The box of 12 off 4" x 5" HPS plates illustrated alongside probably dates from after 1956 because the three speed ratings are
Ilford Meter 37°, Ilford Speed Group H, Weston meter 400. These three speeds are compatible with the speed of 400ASA, but prior to 1956 the Weston meter calibration was not the same as ASA; it would have been 320 Weston (see here). The box shows 400 Weston which indicates the package dates post-1956, after Weston came into line with ASA (now ISO).

Ilford Photographic Materials General Catalogue. Contents are arranged as a series of booklet sections, in a loose-leaf binder cover, enabling the indivdual sections to be replaced and updated. Probably for use by dealers, as in the back are pages entitled "Terms of business in Great Britain, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland".

Apparently produced regularly during the 1950s and into the 1960s for trade distribution (e.g see 1955). Thanks to David Muggleton for the loan of this copy.

Ilford PIM (Photographic Instrument Manufacturers) Monorail professional plate camera with a triangular-section rail marketed by Ilford Ltd (see picture).

Coming from the work started in 1948, the year of 1953 saw the launch of a service to provide colour prints from transparencies, both from Ilford's Colour "D" transparency film (launched in 1948) and also from Kodachrome. Alan Waller tells me "This was the operation that Jack Coote had been hired to manage (see 1952 'slot', above) and was based in Richmond (Surrey, UK). Ciba independently chose to use the same process to formulate the eventual industry leading Cibachrome process". Cibachrome enabled professionals and home workers to make excellent colour prints directly from colour transparencies.

Based upon a reversal process yielding a positive print direct from a positive transparency, print production quickly rose to more than a million prints per annum. The service was only available to 35mm slide film users. Prints 5½"x3¾" with a white border. Price per print was 2/6d (12.5p) with a minimum order of four prints from one or more transparencies.

'Multigrade' variable contrast printing paper re-introduced May 1953.
This second generation Multigrade started with 3 filters, all yellow, but moved on to have 5-filters (see left) before being withdrawn from sale by spring 1969. Two paper sufaces, glossy and velvet stipple.

Dated March 1953 but perhaps not printed until Nov 1953 (K53 on end page), this 68 page Ilford textbook was the 14th Edition of the "Ilford formulae book", presumably following the tradition set by the 1937 example, shown above. This version was titled "Formulae & Packed Chemicals" to reflect the change from photographers mixing their own solutions from basic chemicals to the use of pre-packaged chemical mixtures, merely requiring to be dissolved into stock, or working strength, solutions before use.
Phenidone (see 1940 entry above), "a remarkable new developing agent produced in the Ilford research laboratories, is mentioned in the book for the first time." Although first prepared in 1890 and its developing properties discovered in 1940, large scale manufacturing of the compound did not become feasible until 1951.

Developers are now ID-1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 19, 20 (Phenidone & Metol versions), 22, 33, 34, 36 (Phenidone and Metol versions), 42, 46, 47, 48, 55, 60, 61, 62 & 66. Pre-packaged developers include Contrast FF, Document paper (ID-55), Formalith, PFP (ID-62) and PQ Universal. Book also describes various fixers, hardeners, stop-baths, reducers, intensifiers, toners and packed chemicals.

To view the first 25 pages, which cover the Ilford Developers, click here or on the image. Booklet owned by David Muggleton.

Booklet similar to that shown in the 1955 'slot' (below) but unlike the later booklet, this one is clearly identifiable as November 1953 by the normal Ilford dating system on the back cover (J53).

Intended for use by retailers to show the general public the range of Ilford items available. Each booklet would bear the name of the dealer and no doubt dealers would give copies away to regular customers for them to browse at home. Packed with information within its 74 illustrated pages. Note the cover has the Ilford text logo of the time "for faces and places".

My thanks to David Muggleton for this copy.

Ilford HPS roll film (120 size) and 35mm film introduced "the fastest film in the world" (plates had been introduced in 1952).
Fast panchromatic, 400ASA in daylight, 320ASA in tungsten light. The speed revision of 1960 raised the speed to 800ASA.
Price; 127 film 3s/1d (15.5p), 120 & 620 film 3s/5d (17p) & 36exp 35mm cassette 9s/2d (46p). Multiply these costs by around 20 to get 2008 equivalents, so the 35mm cassette of monochrome HPS would cost £9.20p and a 120 roll film £3.40p.

HPS was still available as conventional still camera film stock (roll & 35mm) up to the late-1960s. Processing details for roll and 35mm versions last appear in the Johnsons Year Book for 1969. After 1969, HPS only appears in the Johnson Year Book as 'narrow gauge cine film'. It continues to appear as cine film up to 1971, when the Year Book was last sold.
Kodak's equivalent 'no compromise fast film' Royal X Pan, was available (in the UK) from 1958 (speed up to 1600ASA) as 120 roll film. It was still available retail into the early 1970s. This site shows a roll of Royal X Pan with an expiry date of 1976, suggesting it was still being made in, say, 1972-73. In 1970 it was priced around 6s.9d (34p) per roll, nearly double the price in 1958.

The picture illustrates the type of card slide mount used by Ilford for their Colour D transparency film in 1954. Plain white on the reverse.
The picture was taken on the beach at Weston-Super-Mare in the summer of 1954.

Ilford Witness with f1.9 Super-Six lens, and E.R.Case, secondhand for £70 at Sheffield Photo Co Ltd (Modern Camera Magazine; June 1955).

Type 'A' & 'D' colour transparency films sold in 20 exposure cassettes for 21s/6d (£1.8p), inclusive of processing (see 1949 entry for earlier prices). A scan of a June 1955 Ilford leaflet describing their "colour prints from transparencies" service is available here (courtesy of Paul Godfrey). It predates the black and white negative service and duplicate slide service.

Ilford Photographic Materials General Catalogue; a substantial 233mm x 157mm hard backed 328 page book, apparently produced regularly during the 1950s and into the 1960s for trade distribution. Doug McKee tells me that his 1956 copy has 336 pages.

Around 1955 (see AP Jan 1956, article by J.Rufus), HP3 film speed increased to 200ASA (post-1960 to 400ASA). This speed increase was fortunate because in 1955 the famous Kodak Tri-X roll film appeared - first on the Continent, later in the UK. It subsequently also became available as 35mm.
"Tri-X was once one of the most popular films used by photojournalists and many amateurs."

A 2nd edition version of the Printing and Enlarging booklet shown previously (see 1947). This version includes mention of Multigrade paper. Multigrade had been temporarily withdrawn from sale before the time of the 1947 booklet but was marketed again from 1953, in time to appear in this 1955 booklet.

As with the 1947 version, there is enclosed within the rear cover fold, a separate sample 'book' of paper surfaces from the Bromide, Plastika, Contact and Multigrade paper ranges.

Interestingly, the price charged for this 1955 booklet (now slightly larger at 52 pages) remained at 2s/6d (13.5p).
The booklet has been donated to me by Cezar Popescu, who lives in Romania. Thanks to Cezar for sending me the booklet and also for making available a pdf of all its contents; Click the image or here.

This 96 page 120mm x 185mm booklet entitled Ilford Photographic Materials & Accessories 'for faces & places', is undated, but is believed relates to late 1955 (maybe early 1956) as it predates the release of Colour Film Type F in 1956, but post-dates the release of HPS roll & 35mm film in 1954.

It was perhaps aimed more at the amateur market than the hard back General Catalogue illustrated above. The back cover has a space for a retailer to stamp his shop's name & address (though the example shown bears no such stamp) and such a retailer might have given copies to regular customers to encourage them to browse at home and select further purchases from his shop.

The name FP4 first appeared as a plate emulsion (a name not used for roll & 35mm film until 1968).

The box alongside (date unknown) has a price of 14s.4d for 12 off 3½"x2½" (means 6p each).

FP4 plates had a pre-1960 speed rating of 80ASA (at this time, FP3 film was 64ASA).

Ilford Advocate Series 1 (f4.5 lens) on sale secondhand for £11 at Theodore Pyke, Eden St; Kingston-on-Thames (AP Magazine, 26th Dec 1956). The Advocate Series 2 since 1953 offered flash synchronisation and a larger aperture lens, f3.5 instead of f4.5.

Late 1956 saw the Introduction of Colour Film Type "F" for use with clear flashbulbs. "...thus reducing the cost of colour shots and saving the trouble of keeping two kinds of flashbulbs" (i.e. blue for colour and clear for b&w). Twice the speed of Ilfords Type "D" film, so around 20ASA.

Introduction of a colour transparency duplication service, 4/- each (20p). Black & white negatives from colour transparencies, 2/6d each (12.5p).

A spring 1956 Ilford leaflet describing the use of Ilford transparency 35mm films Types A & D, is available as a PDF file (courtesy of Paul Godfrey) by clicking here. 20 exposure cassettes of either Type D or Type A cost 21s.6d (£1 & 7.5p) inclusive of processing.
"Prints, which are on a white plastic base, are made to one standard size, 3&13/16 x 5½in., which includes a 3/16 in. white margin. Each print includes the whole of the transparency. Prints cannot be made from a selected part. Colour Prints cost 2/6d. each, with a minimum order of four from one or more transparencies". The leaflet also shows the potential of flash synchronisation with the Advocate Series 2.

Another leaflet scan from Paul Godfrey is this one, from October 1956, extolling the low light virtues of HP3 and HPS films. Paul says "This has some very dated photographs in it but I do like the street scene with the Jowett Javelin complete with radiator muff. When I was a child I really liked these cars". Before the days of electric thermostatically controlled radiator fans, when fans were directly driven by the engine, it was usual to place some sort of insulating muff in front of a car's radiator in winter to try to prevent over-cooling of the engine and improve the interior heater's performance.

Pan F film speed raised (autumn 1956) from its 1948 introduction speed of 16ASA (daylight) 10ASA (tungsten) to 25ASA & 16ASA respectively.The price of 36 exposure cassettes was 8s.3d (41p) and darkroom loading refills were 4s.8d (23p).

Around April time, Ilford announced the availability of HPS in the additional roll film sizes of 127 and 620, at the same prices as their equivalent panchromatic roill films.

In early 1957 Ilford announced an extension to their 1953 'prints from transparencies' service to include making duplicates and prints from any make of colour transparency from 35mm film and smaller. The full size 35mm transparencies were printed 5½"x3¾" with smaller transparencies printed in proportion. Monochrome negatives from 35mm transparencies could also be supplied at 2s/6d each (12.5p).

The Basildon factory, which was built by the company, was completed in 1957. It became the factory for processing Ilford's colour films. Other activities eventually (by 1964) included the making of colour prints, colour printing from transparencies and the manufacture of chemicals and equipment.

FP3 no longer available in roll film sizes 116 & 616 (only 120, 620,127 & 828). HP3 was still available in all sizes incl. 116 & 616.

For a short period during the 1950's, ICI marketed a negative-positive colour film for use by professional photographers. At this time ICI took some preliminary steps towards entering the amateur market. However, in 1958 ICI acquired 32% of Ilford's shares and an agreement was concluded which gave Ilford access to ICI's colour film research in the negative-positive field and provided for further research on colour photographic products and processes to be undertaken by ICI on behalf of Ilford.

New Ilford office block completed (reported in 'Photography' magazine, March 1958).
Also, in Camera World for Feb 1958; "Ilford's new Ramsden Laboratory at Brentwood, Essex (see left; named after Colonel Ramsden, a late director of the company) is the latest and most impressive development in the firm's expansion scheme. The building covers 30,000square feet on two floors, and houses three sections devoted to physics, chemistry and testing. Even distilled water is on tap !"
A large paper finishing and distribution department was built at Mobberley. The whole paper manufacturing process was now at Mobberley and there was a large increase in the workforce.

The Kennedy Instruments Ltd (KI) Monobar 35mm camera was produced, having a film back with a resemblance to the Advocate camera. It was made during the period 1958-65 and provided the range of lens panel movements normally associated with a large plate 'field' camera. By 1967 the remaining KI Monobars were being sold solely by the goods clearance company Marston & Heard for £60, against a (claimed) list price of £180 (see AP magazine for 6_9_67).
Kennedy Instruments Ltd were a wholly owned subsidiary of Ilford Ltd. (Ref: D.M, photo' courtesy of D.M)

The 5th and final edition of 'The Ilford Manual of Photography' was published in May 1958 (see 1890 entry for first edition). This edition was reprinted in 1959, 1960, 1962, twice in 1963 and again in 1966. Additional material was included in appendices. The 7th reprint appeared in May 1967 with its appendices including information on split-image rangefinders, new types of film base, modern film speed systems, monobaths (one solution combined developer and fixer), high definition developers etc. The price 'remianed' at £2.2s (£2.10p). It was reprinted once more before its eventual demise (possibly in 1969 when Ciba took over sole ownership of Ilford, Ltd ?) Presumably the Rights to the book's content and its publication were sold to Focal Press. Focal Press published a 6th edition in 1971, though without the name 'Ilford' in the title i.e. it became 'The Manual of Photography'. It is currently in its 9th edition, published 20th September 2000; ISBN: 0240515749 (Ref: D.M).

Late in 1959; introduction of a modified cardboard transparency mount carrying the date of processing, the frame number and a black spot to aid correct orientation when being placed into a slide projector. The design was also claimed to reduce film 'buckle' through heat and also the tendency for images to 'pop' out of focus during projection.

In October 1959, 35mm FP3 film became FP3 Series II. Ilford claimed "The new FP3 emulsion closely approaches ILFORD Pan F for fineness of grain - yet its speed is maintained at 64 Weston!" A 20exp. cassette cost 5s/1d (25.5p)and a 36exp. cassette cost 6s/10d (34p). Darkroom loading refills, 36exp. cost 3s/11d (19.5p) and unspooled lengths of 5m and 17m cost 10s/6d (52.5p) and 31s/11d (£1.60p) respectively.

Ilford have sites at (ref: PCCGB Tailboard magazine, Sept '06) Britannia Works - Essex, Basildon (filters), Bexford at Manningtree, Essex (filmbase), Brentwood (Selo) Works, Looe - Cornwall (processing), Margate (boxes), Mobberley - Cheshire (paper), Watford (gelatine). They are also supplying materials to Johnsons of Hendon.

In 1959 the Focal Press Ltd (31, Fitzroy Square, London, W.1) published this small (120mm x 160mm; 48 pages) booklet entitled "All about Colour with ILFORD COLOUR". This is Focal Guide No.84, printed by Fletcher & Sons Ltd, Harford Works, Norwich, UK.

Written by George Ashton, it deals with Ilford colour transparency films Types D and F.
Type D was introduced in 1948 and Type A in 1949, but the latter (I presume) was replaced by Type F in 1956. Ilford Colour also became available in the 'Bantam' 828 roll film size in early 1959 (ref: PhotoGuide Mag.Oct59; see 1946 slot for further about 828).

The basic advised exposure for Type D on a sunny day was 1/50th sec at f 6.3, corresponding to the film speed of 10ASA.

Ilford Selochrome roll film only (orthochromatic) replaced by Selochrome Panchromatic; no speed change. This film box is a 120 roll of SP (Selochrome Panchromatic) 80ASA, 30ºBSI & Scheiner, 20ºDIN film. It passed its expiry date in June 1962. Post-1960, Selochrome Pan was re-rated at 160ASA (no change in the emulsion). Maybe phased out around 1968 ?

Paul Rumbol, a Cliff Richard and Shadows specialist, has kindly sent me several radio adverts for the Sporti camera and Selochrome Film, dating from September 1960. Paul says "I've been transferring some of my old Radio Luxembourg audio recordings and came across this Ilford film ad from September 1960 which appeared weekly in the 'Me and My Shadows' Cliff Richard Show. Ilford sponsored the 13 week series (Thursday 7th July - 29th September at 9.45-10pm) and they also did the voiceover for the opening and closing themes. Cliff returned for more Luxembourg series in 1961 but Ever Ready sponsored the remainder of the shows, not Ilford". Click the links to hear the mp3 files: 1, 2 and 3.

Following further joint research with ICI, Ilford introduced Ilfacolor (120/620 roll film only, 32 ASA) colour negative film, based upon an ICI patent. Film cost 10/6d (52.5p). Processing (only by Ilford) was 6/6d (32.5p). Enprints at 2/9d each (14p). Tested in Amateur Photographer, 16th November 1960; "Greys are reasonably neutral with only a slight tendency to blueishness. The purple end of the spectrum is quite faithfully reproduced, so are the yellows, but the reds and oranges blur together. There is no really bright 'pillar box' red (but nevertheless the reds are better than some other unmasked processes). Some people found the results acceptable, calling the colours natural or restrained, others did not and described them as degraded and muddy. This is plainly a matter of personal choice..."
The advert alongside is taken from the January 1962 back cover of "Colour Photography' magazine. 'Glorious moment - held for ever ! on ILFACOLOR with flash. Your get balanced colour - believable colour, with ILFACOLOR colour-negative roll film."

Agfa protested at the use of the prefix 'Ilfa' in the film name Ilfacolor and in late 1961 or early 1962 Ilford changed this to 'Ilfo', making their product names Ilfochrome (instead of Ilfachrome) and Ilfocolor.

An envelope used by some unknown d&p processor for returning prints on ILFORD paper. It advertises ILFORD FILMS and on the reverse it says "Every camera is the better for an ILFORD FILM".

The envelope features period youth clothes, c1960. Notice the style of slacks the girl is wearing, possibly called 'Pedal Pushers'. This site says "Capris were a slim line pant that ended just below the knee. Most had a small ' v ' at the hem so you could move easier. Pedal pushers and motor scooter slacks fitted a little looser and usually ended at the calf. They were designed to keep the pant legs from getting torn by being caught in the spokes or the sprocket of a bicycle or a motor scooter".
The advert also seems to include an Ilford Sportsman camera. Click on the small image or here to see an enlarged version.

Ilford's Amateur Nights, apart from at Ilford House, London (see above) were held "in the provinces" from March 1961. The Lewis Group of Stores held events at Liverpool on March 2nd, 3rd and 4th, repeated by the Lewis Group in Manchester on April 20th, 21st and 22nd, and in leicester during late May and early June.

Having held their last "Amateur Night" in London on April 6th prior to the spring & summer break, Ilford resumed these popular 'first-Thursday-of-each-month' "Amateur Nights", in the autumn of 1961, from 5:30 to 7:30pm at their Showroom & Exhibition Centre at 133/135 Oxford Street, London, W.1. "Full studio facilities; professional type lighting; expert tuition, and beautiful model girls to photograph - all free of charge!"

127 size roll film Ilfacolor (32ASA) was introduced at the start of spring 1961, 10s/7d per roll (53p), processing 6s/6d (32.5p) prints 2s/3d each (11p) sized 3½"x5" from roll films with 8 exposures, 3½"sq from 12 exposures and 3½"x4½" from 16 exposures.

Ilfocolor (note the new spelling - not Ilfacolor) became available in 35mm film, 20exposure cassettes. This may have been late in the year which would explain it being called Ilfocolor rather than Ilfacolor. Negatives were supplied with a contact strip of colour prints.

The previous Ilfochrome colour reversal 35mm film becomes renamed as Ilfochrome, probably late in 1961.

Hyfin developer introduced. Iford claimed "greater sharpness, speed and economy". For use with slow and medium speed films.

Gave a +1stop speed increase & greater sharpness than with ID11. Supplied as five foil satchets of powder in a carton, each satchet to make 600cc of working strength developer. The five satchet carton cost 4s (20p). Each powder satchet had to be dissolved in 600cc of warm water and then used at 20C; Pan F and FP3 series II required 18mins with 5sec agitation every minute.

George Dorman, who joined Ilford Ltd in 1922 and was advertising manager from 1943 to 1961, reliquished his appointment to devote his whole time, until retirement in 1963, to preparation of a revised edition of "Positioning in Radiography", a respected world-wide reference work.

His place was taken by Gilbert Wild (see left), previously with BP where, from 1959, he was Publicity Consultant to BP Italiana. Previously he was Advertising Manager with the National Benzole Co and also served with three leading London advertising agencies. Born in Manchester, he was a night fighter pilot during WW2 and continued with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR) after his demobilisation until 1954. when he became Squandron Leader, Information Division, Air Ministry, for public relations, a position he continued to hold.

lford introduce their 32ASA Ilfochrome 32 colour reversal film, cost 28/6d for a 36exp film or 19/6d for a 20 exposure (£1.43p & 98p respectively), including postage and transparency mounting. It was a non-substantive film, as was Kodachrome. To read about Ilford's processing sequence for Ilfochrome, click here.

The illustrated 'Ilford Transparency Viewer' for 2"x2" (35mm or 4x4cm) slides was being marketed by mid-1963. Its plano-convex lens gave a magnification of 1.5x. The box logo shown here has the Ilford 'sunburst' symbol which appeared in 1965, so this example must date to 1965 or later. It cost £1.4s.6d (£1.23p). It worked off 2xUII ('C') batteries (the viewer price included a bulb but excluded the batteries).

The Competition Commission report of 1960-69 provides valuable information about Ilford's move into the field of colour film supply and why Ilfochrome was (unusually) a non-subtantive colour transparency (reversal) film, as was Kodachrome.

Another leaflet scan from Paul Godfrey. Click here, or on the image, to download the leaflet as a pdf file.

Paul says "....coded L1/ZZ/62 so 1962 not sure about the month. There are 8 pages but I opened it out to two pages per scan, so 4 pages. The extra page is an undated flyer that must have been with the leaflet announcing cost cuts on Ilfocolor prints."

The leaflet advertises NEW Ilfocolor 35mm colour negative film with free colour 'contact' prints (also available as 120, 620 and 127 roll film), NEW Ilfochrome 32 for colour transparencies and NEW Ilfochrome 8mm cine. The black & white film range covers Selochrome Pan roll film, Pan F 35mm, FP3 for 35mm & roll film, HP3 for 35mm & roll film and 'really fast' HPS for 35mm & roll film.

The range of cameras covers the low cost roll film Sporti, Super Sporti and Sporti 4. The 35mm range covers the Sportsman Vario, Pronto, Prontor SVS, Rangefinder & (new) Auto Rangefinder, Sportsmaster and (new) Sportsmaster Manumatic.

Ilfochrome 25 ASA 8mm Cine film, costs 23/6d (£1.18p) for a 25ft double run spool (4mins total running time). "Made in England by Ilford Limited". The box of the item shown alongside suggests it (the box) was manufactured in November 1961 (K.61).

The address for processing was: Ilford Limited, Colour Processing Unit, Christopher Martin Road, Basildon, Essex.

The film carton shown here contained a processed film. To see scans of a few frames, click here or on the image.

From the beginning of 1963 Ilford made pre-packed colour processing chemicals and technical assistance generally available to all commercial photo-finishers, and by 1964 a number of independent finishers were processing Ilfocolor roll films.

Ilford reminded photographers that the earlier 10ASA Ilfachrome would only be accepted for processing until December 31st 1963. By that date the last batch made would be 1year over the date of expiry on the carton.

Ilfochrome prints from 35mm transparencies no longer available due to 'heavy demand' for Ilfocolor prints. Prints from Ilfocolor half-frame negatives now (Sept. 1963) available; 3.5" x 5" cost 2s (10p).

CIBA AG, Switzerland, approach Ilford with a buy-out offer. The CIBA group comprised CIBA AG, CIBA Photochemie AG (formerly Tellko AG, research laboratory near Fribourg) a manufacturer of sensitised photographic materials, Lumière SA France (near Lyons, acquired by Ciba in 1962) also a manufacturer of sensitised materials & of colour film (in the 1950s), and Gretag GmbH (Germany) a designer and constructor of equipment and instruments for use in the photographic industry.
There was no take-over by Ciba until 1969 but there began commercial co-operation between Ciba and Ilford to develop Ciba's dye-bleach print material (for making prints directly from colour transparencies). Originally called Cilchrome ('Cil' derived from the names Ciba, Ilford and Lumière) the eventual product name was Cibachrome. Other group products also had 'CIL' at the beginning of the name e.g CILMATIC cameras which had much in common with the Dacora Sportsman range but were only sold in mainland Europe.

CIBA built a new plant at Marly, just outside Fribourg (home of Tellko) to coat Cibachrome (and later ILFOCHROME, being the name given to Cibachrome post-1989 after Ciba sold Ilford to International Paper, see below), and the old Tellko factory in the centre of Fribourg was used as the finishing department.

Another gem of information from Paul Godfrey. An Ilford article from the magazine "The Essex Countryside", Volume 11, No.74, for March 1963 (price 1s.9d = 9p). "The firm that made the name Ilford world-famous". Click here, or on the image (left) to download the article as a pdf file.

Paul says "I am particularly pleased with the photo of the Ilfocolor prints being checked at the Basildon colour laboratories. What a shame there are no pictures of the (automatic) printers. One little scrap in the article is the mention of the British Xylonite (BX) factory at Manningtree which, despite the magazine being about Essex, is actually in Brantham, which is just across the River Stour in Suffolk. You mention the Margaret Thatcher connection with this factory (see 1946, above). My late mother-in-law worked for BX at Brantham in the laboratories when she first left school, before WW2, but had left long before Mrs Thatcher ever worked there."

20 page booklet on Ilford Formolith materials, made available by David Muggleton. It is dated G63, hence July 1963.

Formolith materials were designed for use in Graphic Arts, and provided the highest possible contrast images. They provided "fine, clean and well-defined lines in a dense back-ground". For dimensional stability of the image relative to the original, Formolith was "available on two thicknesses of polyester base and also on glass where the last word in 'size holding' is necessary".

By 1963, Formolith materials were finding an ever increasing application in the manufacture of printed circuits.

Ilford Exposure Guide for black & white films, featuring FP3 at 125ASA, Selochrome Pan at 160ASA, HP3 at 400ASA and HPS at 800ASA. Presumably meant for the less experienced amateur, it omits mention of Pan F at 50ASA. It is dated L63, hence December 1963.

To view the Guide as a pdf file, click here or on the image. Made available by Paul Godfrey.

Illustrated alongside is a 1502 Ilfoprint processor, taking paper up to 15" (38cms) wide & working off 240v.
The Ilfoprint system was introduced in late 1963 at the Business Efficiency Exhibition (BEE) at Olympia and, a few weeks later, at the Industrial Photographic and Television Exhibition at Earls Court. Original information relating to Ilfoprint came to me from Norman Lee, who worked for Ilford 1959-1967 at Mobberley and Ilford. More recently (July 2012) Alan Waller has sent in-depth information. Alan worked for ILFORD from 1955 to 2000 and his father also worked there from 1931 to 1972.

Alan says "Ilfoprint was launched at the BEE because it was envisaged that document copying would be a major application. Ilfoprint copy paper consisted of a very slow emulsion coated on a 90 gsm (?) base. It could be handled in subdued tungsten light if you were quick. The Ilfoprinter 950C was a light box attached to a processor. A reflex paper negative was produced which could be contact printed any number of times onto the same paper. For multiple copies it was therefore cheaper than the silver diffusion transfer papers which were very popular at the time. (Gevacopy and Agfa Copyrapid shared this market. I don't think Ilfacopy was ever seriously marketed). Ilfoprint for copying enjoyed little success in what was then a very competitive market."

"The Ilfoprint enlarging papers proved useful in applications where speed of obtaining a print was more important than its permanence. The paper had the developing agent (hydroquinone) in the emulsion. The processor contained an activator - a solution of sodium hydroxide - and a stabiliser. The stabiliser was ammonium thiocyanate which converted the undeveloped silver halide to a light-stable silver complex. Prints lasted for weeks or months but the stabiliser remaining in the unfixed, unwashed print tended to bleach the image. They could be made permanent with a 20min soak in fixer and a 30min wash. Ilfoprint was largely superseded in the darkroom by Ilfospeed which offered fast-enough processing and far superior image quality."

"The most successful and longest-running application for Ilfoprint was Teletransmission Paper which was designed especially for the Muirhead K300 automatic facsimile receiver. This machine was extensively used by newspapers and agencies such as Associated Press. It was primarily for press photographers and delivered a b&w damp dry stabilised print in about 40sec."

Ilford had a number of wholly owned subsidiaries in the UK (incl. Britannia Works Co. Ltd. whose main business was wholesale black and white photo' finishing and the manufacturer of chemicals, including ' hypo') as well as 50% interests in some other companies (incl. Butlins Photographic Services Ltd. which operated photographic services at seven holiday camps, two hotels and a beach outlet).
It had subsidiaries in Australia, Denmark, France, India and the USA and a world-wide distribution organisation. The company had a board of ten directors, two of whom are ICI nominees. Administration and sales are directed from the company's offices at Ilford, Essex and the company has factories at Ilford, Brentwood, Basildon and Mobberley. The supply and processing of colour films accounted for about 4% of Ilford's total trading turnover. Other activities include the manufacture of emulsions used by nuclear physicists, document copying equipment, black and white films of all types, X-ray films, photographic papers, chemicals, magnetic materials and the supply of cameras and other equipment.

Ilford has some 22,000 authorised dealers, including branches of multiples, and some 2,000 dealers' agents.

Produced from 7th Sept 1964, the ILFORD "Colour Book of Flower Decoration" was written by Joan Groves of the Constance Spry Flower School (closed 31st Jan 2008) and contained 54 colour plates all taken on Ilfocolor by James Adams, ARPS. There was also a chapter on flower photography by Kenneth Gaseltine, FIBP, FRPS.
Ilford advertised this book and the RF Style 4 Sportsman full page in Amateur Photographer 9th Sept 1964 (p102) and held a 4 week exhibition of the prints at their Oxford Street gallery.

See 1965 entry below for further information on this series of books.

A new 'sunburst' symbol introduced, the first company identification since the 'paddle steamer' (see top of page). Also, a new style packaging was adopted using a dead-white glazed cardboard for all cartons and boxes.

HP4 roll film first became available alongside HP3 (not replacing it until the end of 1969) in 120 and 127 roll film sizes, cost 4/6d (23p). HP4 in 35mm film size became available during 1966.
The HP4 35mm film illustrated was donated by Luis Loubet.

In May 1965 Ilford introduced a new negative 35mm 20 exposure film, 'Colorprint', rated at 64 ASA, at a price inclusive of processing. At the same time it discontinued production of Ilfocolor. The service whereby 35mm users received a projection printed (not truly 'contact'; see letter from Ilford's R.B.Matthews in Colour Photography magazine, May 1963) contact print strip and card mounted negatives with their processed film, continued, as it had previously with Ilfocolor 35mm. This service was advertised in AP magazine's Colour Numbers (May & July) in 1966 using 2-page full colour spreads.

Colorprint must have subsequently (probably quite soon afterwards) also have become available in roll film sizes, see 1968 entry re:Super Colorprint.

Its possible the contact prints were made on a machine produced by Ilford's subsidiary, Kennedy Instruments (manufacturers of the Advocate camera). It seems Walter Kennedy had been developing a machine for the high speed printing of Ilford Colour transparencies since the late 1950s. Specially made for Ilford Ltd, it was considered too complex to manufacture and distribute to independent photofinishers.
Another Ilford subsidiary company, Kennington and Bourlet, had started to market colour processing and printing equipment from 1964 to independent finishers. However, the Competition Commission Report dated 1966 indicates that Kennington & Bourlet had, by 1966, gone into voluntary liquidation.

Also in May, substantive reversal 35mm film introduced, called 35mm Colorslide rated at 32ASA and 35mm Super Colorslide rated at 64ASA. Slides returned in a plastic pocket 'quick-look viewer'. Iford explained "Now you can see just how good your shots are the minute you get them!."

36exp Colorslide only 28/- (£1.40p) and 20exp for 18/- (90p).
A blue plastic filing folder to hold up to 10 of the 'quick-look viewers', cost 2/9d (14p).

Super Colorslide and Colorprint were also introduced in ' Rapid' cassettes.

My thanks to Steve Slarke for donating "An ILFORD Colour Book of Flower Identification ~ Rock Garden Plants" by Will Ingwersen. Designed and produced by George Rainbird Limited and printed by Jarrold & Sons Limited, Norwich. Copiously illustrated with colour photographs, all taken on Ilfocolor film and printed on Ilfocolor paper. First published 1965 © ILFORD Limited 1965.
This series of books were produced from 7th Sept 1964, starting with the ILFORD "Colour Book of Flower Decoration" (see 1964 entry, above). Other ILFORD Colour Books in this Flower Identification Series are listed as "House Plants", "Cacti and Other Succulents" and "Herbacious Plants 1".

Other books still in planning in 1965 were: "Flowering Bulbs, Corms and Tubers", "Flowering Shrubs and Trees", "Greenhouse Plants", "Herbacious Plants 2", "Annuals and Biennials" and "Roses", with a further volume planned, being "Gardens in Colour".
As late as Feb 1966, AP carried news that Ilford were still exhibiting prints from this series of books at Bentalls, Kingston upon Thames and demonstrating flower photography techniques.

Ilford film available for the first time in the 126 Instant (Instamatic) cartridge system (introduced by Kodak in 1963). Black & white cost 4s/4d for 12exp. (22p), Ilford Super Colorslide "returned in smart plastic mounts and in a free Quick-Look viewer wallet", cost 12s/6d for 12exp (63p) and New Ilford Super Colorprint cost 7s/6d for the film and a further 18/- for processing "prints returned in an attractive pocket album" (see advert alongside). Total price for 12exp was 25s/6d (£1.28p). Processing of the Colorprint film was via a voucher system, available from photographic stores. The film was intended to be returned to Ilford in its original carton, with the pre-payment voucher stuck to the carton, and the whole put into a supplied bag - which had to be separately stamped (weight 35gm). A "a revolutionary new colour processing system which makes colour live like never before" claimed Ilford for their new-process Colorslide and Colorcine.

A year previous, Ilford had started supplying their film in the Agfa Rapid cassette system, for the Sportina Rapid and similar cameras. Agfa had re-released this cassette system to counter Kodak's 126 Instamatic cartridge system and Ilford initially supported Agfa in this 'format war'. But, by Spring 1966, Ilford decided to 'back both horses'. This extract from Camera Magazine for March 1966 (Editor's Notebook) entitled "Rapid Colour" explains:
"Who's putting all their eggs in one basket? Certainly not a famous firm situated somewhere to the east of Forest Gate, London (meaning Ilford). To mix metaphors like a rotary whisk, they have extracted their digits from the egg basket and plunged them firmly into a goodly number of pies. Take, for a start, Rapid. A limited launch of Rapid cameras last year was so encouraging (prophets of gloom about this system notwithstanding) that this year they will be selling Rapid cameras and films on a national scale. Good for Rapid, say I. It's a natty system. And if you are fortunate enough to have a Rapid camera already, you will be able to load it with a new super colour film, from the same firm, that I am picking for stardom in 1966. If you live in the London area, that is probably the only form in which you will be able to get it; outside London, this new colour film will be available in standard 35mm cassettes as well. Tough darts for London livers - they don't always get the goodies first. BUT. Rapid has a rival, dare I say it, in Instamatic. So what does this famous firm do? They produce a film in Instamatic cartridges of course, then sit back and wait to see how well it all goes. Clever! "

August 1967 (H67), after the introduction of Ilfobrom (see entry above), the 16 page A5 booklet "ILFORD HP4 IN ACTION", was made available, with considerable detail about the use, developing and printing of HP4 35mm, Roll Film and Flat Film.

To view the booklet as a pdf file, click here or on the image alongside. Available by courtesy of David Muggleton.

In May 1968, Ilford FP4 introduced, replacing FP3 roll and 35mm film. "Fine Grain, High Speed, Panchromatic, Backed" (but see 1955 slot above; FP4 was a plate emulsion name 13 years previous, though undoubtedly NOT the same emulsion as in 1968).
FP4 was claimed to give greater acutance with finer grain than FP3 but retaining the same speed of 125ASA (200ASA when developed in Microphen) and the same price. Wide exposure latitude of 6 stops over and 2 stops under, still producing printable results. Sold in the distinctive black & white Ilford cartons but identifiable by a blue band on the end flap. Tested by Pete Cropley for 'Photography' magazine (June edition), he found FP4 to be "the sharpest medium speed film available, and by far the finest grain."

By July, Ilford were offering a free 20 page booklet entitled "Ilford FP4" to amateur photographers "wishing 'to make the best use of the fine qualities of this new emulsion". It was obtainable by writing to Mike Williams, Customer Services, Ilford Ltd, Ilford, Essex. This booklet (see left) updated the booklet "Ilford FP3, Film of Many Faces" offered in 1965. It is dated March 1968. Copy available courtesy of David Muggleton.

Summer time "2 for the price of 1". Ilford Super Colorprint and Ilford Colorslide offered in twin packs of 126, 120, 127 and 20exp 35mm. The Super Colorprint cost 5/- (25p) for the twin pack (processing extra) while the Colorslide cost 8/9d (44p) for the twin pack (processing extra). Even with processing, Ilford calculated that your 40 slides would cost less than 7d (3p) each.
All colour processing now carried out at the company's modern laboratories at Basildon, Essex.

Click here to view a short movie mpg clip of workers at Basildon sorting and posting Colorslide slides. Notice the plastic viewing wallets the slides are inserted into before being posted (see 1965, above). The movie clip is courtesy of John Smailes.

Selochrome roll film believed to have been phased out, the last film to bear the famous Selochrome brand, derived from the 1920s Selo factory name. Or was it? Information has come to me that there may have been a 35mm Selochrome film still being tested in 1969, but it never got to market.

The Selochrome Pan roll film illustrated is a size 620, 160ASA, with an expiry date of April 1971, from or near the last batch.

 The formal change to a white carton design (as above) presumably took place around the time of the sunburst symbol being introduced, in 1965. But the Twin-Pack "Save 6d" (2.5p) Selochrome Pan carton shown here (courtesy of Charlie Kamerman) is dated to be developed before February 1969, suggesting maybe a 1966 manufacturing date. Possibly the stock of old cartons was used up subsequent to 1965 by bundling them in this "Ilford Holiday Twin-Pack, Save 6d" promotion. The speed rating for minimum exposure is given as 160ASA (ISO).

 A single 127 size roll film of Selochrome Panchromatic, still in the pre-1965 colours. This film is dated for processing before July 1968, suggesting it was made around 1965, perhaps just before the new carton colours and sunburst symbol were unveiled.

Ciba acquires all of ICI's shares in Ilford, becoming sole owner of ILFORD Limited, six years after their initial approach.
Introduction of Cibrachrome colour reversal printing paper and chemistry, a product developed by Ciba Geigy Photochemie of Switzerland, based on the silver-dye-bleach principle originally proposed in 1905 by the Austrian Karl Schnitzel. Over the following years it was further developed by Ciba and Ilford into a world renowned 'industry standard' product for high permanence richly saturated prints from transparencies.

On 31st Dec 1969 Ilford ceased supply of the Ilfomatic 126 cameras and camera outfits, ending the sale of all Ilford's amateur camera products.
Also on 31st December, Ilford discontinued manufacture of HP3 roll film, explaining that the demand for HP4 had risen to a level that required all their existing production capacity. However, Ilford promised to continue manufacturing HP3 in sheet film and 35mm cassettes as long as this was justified by world-wide demand. (Might it have survived until HP5 was launched in 1976 ?)

Ilford FP4 Challenge Cup print competition, judged (late November / early December) by George Hughes (AP Features Editor), Photo-Trade World Editor Roy Mathers and Ilford's Bill Risden.

The Mobberley workforce had grown to around 550.

Two new film developers, tested in Amateur Photographer 21st January 1970; Ilfosol and Perceptol.

Ilfosol, a general purpose 'acutance with fine grain' liquid concentrate 'one-shot' developer to be diluted 1:14 assisted by the graduated bottle cap having internal markings to show volumes of 10cc, 20cc, 30cc & 40cc.
Recommended cost of a 300cc conical ('Dalek' shaped, as AP described it! ) plastic container was 6/- (30p). The bottle shape was subsequently found not to be ideal as the surface area of developer exposed to oxidation increased as the developer was used. So the concentrated developer didn't 'keep' as well as it might have.

Perceptol, supplied in a less convenient powder form (2 packets dissolved to make 600cc of stock solution) but satisfying the perfectionist wanting negatives capable of giant enlargement.
To make 600cc of developer cost 4/-; (25p). Packs to make 1litre were also available.

The 600cc pack illustrated alongside has the date of August 1974 (H.74). It contains two heat sealed polythene satchets, one considerably larger than the other.
The enclosed instructions (though maybe incomplete) only gives development times for Ilford films. At 20°C the advised development times for Pan F = 8.5minutes; FP4 = 8minutes and HP4 = 8.5minutes.
The same instructions (printed J.74) must have been enclosed with ID-11 and Microphen developers as the times for the same films in those developers are also quoted, viz:
ID-11 Pan F = 5.5minutes; FP4 = 6minutes and HP4 = 7minutes.
Microphen Pan F = 3minutes; FP4 = 5.5minutes and HP4 = 5minutes.

Bob Chaffee worked for Ilford Inc. in the US during 9years from 1971 to 1979 and was involved in X-ray Medical Imaging.
The item shown left as a thumbnail is Volume 14, Number 3, 1976 issue of "X-Ray Focus; Medical Radiology and Radiography".
Bob tells me "It was produced in the UK with copyright 'ILFORD Limited 1976; A Ciba-Geigy company'. Printed by Balding + Mansell Ltd; London & Wisbech. Correspondence was directed to: X-Ray Focus, 27, Tilehouse Road, Surrey, GU4 8AP, England. The editor was Eric Gould".
Bob held onto this issue because it contains an article by Miss R.E.Stapleton, BSc, of the X-Ray Research Division of Ilford Ltd (in charge of research into image physics) on Image Quality in X-ray Systems. She was well known in X-Ray circles. Her facility was located on the 1st floor of the Ramsden Laboratory building, Brentwood (see 1958 chronology 'slot' for picture of the Ramsden building).

Bob Chaffee has sent me series of advertisements for Ilford's X-Ray materials, dating from 1956 through to 1977 (apart from 1971), which appeared in a leading US Medical Imaging Magazine named “Radiology”. As Bob comments "it is interesting to see how advertising evolved over that period". Advertisemenst for 1978 through to 1980 probably exist but are not available 'on-line'. 1980 is the year Ilford stopped distributing Medical Imaging Films in the US and also the year Bob moved on to Agfa Gevaert.
Also, see a (believed) 1944 contribution of X-ray material sent by Mike Ratcliff.

The Ilford Ltd. site in Ilford, Essex, was closed in February 1976 and administrative activities transferred to the Basildon site, previously only used for colour processing, chemicals development and manufacture. Bob Chaffee has sent me an aerial view of the Basildon site during an Open Day on June 12th 1976. Click here to view.

Angela Pruss has been in touch to say how this move was a disappointment ("a horror") to her and many of her colleagues. Angela was a secretary to various managers on the old Ilford, Roden Street, site during the early 1970s and has many fond memories. She speaks of providing comment to the technical staff on the image quality in new products – "it was nice to get a break from secretarial work and be involved". "The large rambling site was lovely to walk round at lunchtimes and there were many little huts/darkrooms where you could watch the technicians at work." She did move to Basildon, but it wasn't the same 'atmosphere' and she left after only a few months. Now, when she visits Ilford town, she can't look at the Sainsbury building without fond memories of the Ilford HQ site where she worked.
Angela wonders if anyone else from that era would like to get in touch? If so, drop me an e-mail and I'll try to get you into e-mail contact with her.
Hamesh Taylor e-mailed to say he also took part in the move to Basildon. He worked in the IT department.

Tom Borg has e-mailed to tell me about the break-up of the Ilford site and the relocation of its various facilities. Tom was employed by Ilford from 1964 to 1995, initially as a research technician and ending as a Senior Manager, during which time he led the team which took XP1 from research to manufacture (1980). Tom recalls that the original Ilford site still (1976) had the old cottages where the business started, plus an organic chemistry research building across the road in Roden Street. Some chemists working there specialised in mercaptans which are incredibly smelly and led to complaints from bus passengers when the boffins went home! He also mentions that the Ilford site hosted an early J.Lyons & Co 'Leo' computer, one of the first in the UK, to handle payroll. Tom still has some of the germanium diodes from when the Leo was scrapped and dumped in the carpark.

From 1976:
Basic research, Emulsion research, Organic chemistry research and Physics moved to a new facility at Warley, near Brentwood; a site already occupied by Engineering functions. Emulsion research at this site led to the introduction of microfilm, and the new generation of emulsion for monochrome film though these took some years to bring to production. - Presumably these moves were made possible by the £4m extension at Warley announced by Ilford's Chief Executive, Dr A J O Axford, in 1970.
Film product development had long been based at the nearby Brentwood site (presumably the old 1920 Selo Factory which subsequently closed), including Monochrome, X-Ray. Colour and Microfilm development, and this also transferred to the new Warley facility.
David Kilcast, Ilford employee from 1972-1981, confirms Brentwood (the original Selo factory in Woodman Road) & the newer site referred to as Warley, were completely separate sites. Warley was about a mile from Woodman Road, located in a less built up area, close to the Ford European HQ.
Nuclear (the film that accompanied the first moon landing) and other specialised plate products were moved to Mobberley where all Paper research and production was sited.
The Basildon site, previously only used for colour processing, chemicals development and manufacture, became the new Head Office, including Marketing and all supporting functions.
(From 1983, when the Basildon site closed and activities moved to Mobberley, Cheshire, Tom successively ran the Quality Assurance, Emulsion Manufacture, and Distribution departments.)

Booklet published by Ilford for 1st January 1979 entitled:
'100 years of quality - A history of invention and innovation - 1879 ILFORD 1979'

Near the bootom of the page it reads 'ILFORD Limited, Basildon, England - 1st January 1979'

(My thanks to Roy Hammans for information about this booklet).

The illustrated Guide describes the Ilford range of b&w films (Pan F, FP4, HP5 & XP1 400) & recommends developers from the Ilford range (Perceptol, Hyfin, ID-11, Ilfosol 11, Microphen; also the special XP1 chemicals for the new chromogenic XP1 400 film).
Papers are Ilfospeed, Ilfospeed Multigrade, Ilfobrom and Galerie with developers being Ilfospeed, Ilfospeed Multigrade, PQ Universal & Bromophen respectively.

Chromogenic XP1 400 35mm film first goes on sale in the UK. It was originally due to be on sale by March 1981, but was bought forward to January 1981. Ilford claimed the rushed release was due to the "tremendous response" received when the film was shown at Photokina (see above), but the decision may have been influenced by the imminent appearance of a rival chromogenic film, Agfapan Vario-XL Professional. The rival film went on sale shortly after XP1 400. A test report in Photography magazine for May 1981 found "..at this time the Ilford rival seems markedly better, whether in its own chemistry (XP 1) or Kodak's (C41)."

CLOSURE of the Ilford Films (Selo Works) at Woodman Road.
Lofty Holloway, an ex employee of the Woodman Road site, worked there for 4½ years until around January 1983 when he was made redundant.

Lofty first joined Ilford Films at the old Selo Works, Woodman Road, in the middle of 1979, when he was offered a position working on the "Pan Wash" in the Emulsion Making Block, "horrible job, working with boiling water". "The emulsion making block was a tower, and on a summer's day, from the canteen and locker rooms on the top, you could see the Post Office Tower".
Sometime later he transferred to the Coating Block to work on Rooms 12 and 13's Reeling Chambers. He also worked with the flatbed coating machine, in Room 14, near Britannia Road, "a room tucked away by the fence, near the cemetery". "Don Blunt was my old Coating Foreman. Bob Farrow was my Shift Manager."

"All rather sad in the end. We attended a meeting in a hall in Eagle Way in Warley to learn of the company's downsizing. They were to shut three sites, Basildon distribution, Woodman Road (Selo) and R&D at The Drive, with the intention of expanding Mobberley. I went to the site at Mobberley in Cheshire to decide whether to take opportunity to move there. I went inside the facility which was to be the Mobberley equivalent of Room 14, but it was cheap looking, with no plaster on the walls."

Practical Photography magazine for June 1984 carries a 2-page advert for Ilfocolor HR colour print film, available in 35mm, 110 and Kodak disc formats. At this time, Ilfocolor colour print film was named Ilfocolor HR and consisted of 100 and 200ASA speeds. The picture alongside shows that it ultimately expanded to also include 1000ASA 35mm. Meanwhile, the Fuji Photo Film Company who made the (arguably market leading) Fuji HR colour print films were amused (see Practical Photography for June 1984) to see that the films from Ilford were similarly named 'HR'. Peter Samwell, the Fujimex Divisional Manager stressed "While we don't mind our competitors sharing a little of our limelight, we would like to point out to customers that Ilford HR film, while being manufactured in Japan, is not made by Fuji ..."  Ilfocolor HR seemingly didn't stay on the market beyond 1990 (?).

Apart from the above Ilfocolor print film, discussion on this webpage confirms that Ilford were still marketing the 35mm Ilfochrome slide film at this time (from 1982, see above). These 1984 print and slide films were definitely being made in Japan by Konishiroku Photo Industry Co. Ltd., also known as "Konica". The bulk film was packaged in Mobberley, Cheshire.
One respondent on the above website says:
"We were responsible for test shots on Ilfochrome and Ilfocolor, issued by Ilford and used in exhibitions, in 1984. The slide film was Konicachrome 100 and the negative (print) films were Konicacolor 100 and 400. "Ilford continued to use Konica for colour film but it failed to sell. ....the unforgiving nature of Konicachrome (exceptionally neutral colour, to the point of being cold, with high contrast and very fine grain) made the slide film less popular than warmer materials from Fuji".

A 2-page advert by Ilford in Practical Photography, June 1984 issue, stated the advantages of having Ilfochrome 100 processed by Ilford were that a Cibachrome 'contact' sheet print, showing all the slide images, would be supplied and the slides would be returned in sturdy plastic mounts numbered and dated in a slide box designed for easy cross-referencing with the contact sheet.

A 3 page fan-fold A4 leaflet, believed to date to 1984. My thanks to David Muggleton for loaning this to me for copying.

It describes the process steps involved in tank developing your first black & white film. In particular, FP4 film in Infosol 2 developer (4mins), using IN-1 stop bath, Hypam fixer and Ilfotol wetting agent. Further information is given on the use of ID-11, Perceptol and Microphen developers, with Pan F and HP5 film. Microphen is advised for speed up-rating HP5 from 500ASA (6mins) to 800ASA (8.5mins), 1,600ASA (11mins) and 3,200ASA (16mins), all at 20C.

To download the leaflet as a pdf file, click here or on the image.

Amateur Photographer magazine, on its NewsView page 42 (March 21st edition) announced that Ilford had joined the likes of Kodak and Konica by launching "new, improved" colour emulsions. Ilfocolor HR 100 35mm colour print film had been available since 1984, but was now joined by a 120 roll film format. Ilfocolor HR 200 and 400 speed films were promised to be available "at a later date".
An Ilford spokesman was reported as saying "Although some improvements have been made to Ilfocolor HR colour negative film, an appreciable difference will be noticed in results from the new range of Ilfochrome colour reversal (transparency) film". All are E6 process compatible and the range consists of Ilfochrome 50 - a fine-grained film "ideal where a high degree of enlargement is required for Cibachrome prints; Ilfochrome 100, for most general-purpose photography; and Ilfochrome 200 for extra flexibility in more restricted lighting or where limited aperture lenses are in use".

The 3 new Ilfochrome (transparency) films were tested by AP in their 18th April edition. The films were said to have subtle, neutral colours, making for good, natural, flesh tones, "so bear these films in mind for portraiture, especially the ISO 50 and 100. Their low contrast also makes them quite flattering, if a little 'flat'. But they lack warmth". The ISO 200 emulsion was felt to be rather grainy for this film speed.

Note that Amateur Photographer hinted that these HR transparency films were of Agfa origin and it seems (see Photo Pro magazine, p33, July 1989) that Agfa repackaged Ilford Multigrade as Agfa's own multi-contrast paper brand in Germany, in exchange for supplying the transparency film stock.
Ilfocolor HR negative film may have continued to be of Konica origin, which would explain why Ilford suggested that there would be less noticeable change with that film type.

Ciba-Geigy sells Ilford to International Paper, an American company which also owned Anitec, a U.S. based manufacturer of graphic arts materials which had taken over GAF in Binghamton, New York. GAF was previously known as Ansco and, previous to that, Agfa-Ansco (ref: Bob Chaffee, e-mails of 14th & 16th January 2011).
The two groups were merged to become Ilford Anitec in 1990. Bob Chaffee has sent me a picture of the Anitec facility, in Binghamton, New York.
Subsequently, Ciba-Geigy, no longer having any stake in Cibachrome, required that the Cibachrome name be changed. So, officially it became llfochrome Classic, but Ilfochrome, Cibachrome, or simply "Ciba" are names still in common useage. This name change didn't officially take place until early 1992, announced by Ilford at the PMA Las Vegas.

HP5 Plus film introduced (Photo Pro mag, issue 4, Winter1989-90)

Ilford announce their Digital Photo Imager (DPI) at the Photokina Exhibition, held in Cologne, Germany, hailing the dawn of the Companies venture into the new technology of Digital Imaging
First Delta film introduced

FP4 Plus and Delta 400 films introduced at Photokina.

A commemorative FP4 Plus lapel or tie pin, in the (flat) form of a 35mm cassette.

Picture courtesy of David Muggleton.

Death of Robert Sternberg, aged 77, a leading designer of the Ilford 'Witness' 35mm camera.
This information was taken from the March 1991 edition of The British Journal of Photography, which mistakenly refers to Robert Steinberg, but thanks to Andy Holliman it is now confirmed that the name is Sternberg.

XP2 chromogenic film launched in springtime and replaces XP1 400 in 120 roll and 35mm cassettes. Designed for processing in standard C41 colour chemistry. Said to have increased sharpness and a curve shape which is matched to that of Ilford's Multigrade printing paper. Sheet film sizes were intended for release by September.

Ilford's 1991 "Photographer of the Year" is Jonathan Knowles, who submitted a black & white portfolio of general still-life material.

Cibachrome name officially changed to Ilfochrome Classic at the PMA show, Las Vegas. Ilfordchrome Classic was tested by Photo Pro magazine in autumn 1993.

Also announced were two new Ilfocolor printing papers (see 1993, below).

Pan F Plus introduced.
Multigrade further improved, becoming Multigrade III RC DeLuxe, offering improved base whiteness and a higher contrast Grade 5.

XP1 chromogenic film processing kits (acutance enhancing formula) finally discontinued following the success of XP2 Plus with its full C41 compatibility.

Ilford release a RA-4 colour paper with the same ultra-high gloss Melinex ployester base as Cibachrome (Ilfochrome Classic). Named Ilfocolor Deluxe, it was made for both EP-2 and RA-4 colour print processes. Photo Pro magazine (Aug/Sept 1993, p62) reported "the paper behaved impeccably, giving good, rich colour with excellent saturation and sharpness. This is the paper to use for standard commercial photography". It cost £36.46 for 100sheets of 10"x8" or £43.78p for 50sheets of 12"x16".
By the end of 1993 (or start 1994) Ilford published a new manual for users of their colour materials, both reversal and negative/positive. The Ilford Colour Print Manual was available through Ilford trade outlets.

Ilford launch the "Printasia Digital Imaging System". The system included a Computer, Scanner, Printer and Image Manipulation software but suffered due to the constantly changing technology of computers and peripherals at the time, which led to its demise.

Ilford Multigrade IV printing paper, incorporating a third emulsion component to control print highlights. Slightly colder base colour and heavier weight.
400 Delta Pro (Professional) Film range introduced.

Multigrade IV De Luxe resin-coated paper awarded the title "European Black & White Product of the Year 1995-96" by the European Imaging and Sound Awards panel of 13 magazine delegates meeting in Geneva. The citation specifically praised its ability to hold highlight and shadow detail simultaneously.

Delta 100 film Improved and suffixed Professional, supersedes the previous emulsion with claimed all-round improved quality, especially in terms of shadow detail and latitude. Availalble in 35mm (24&36exp), 120 roll film and all standard sheet sizes.

In April Ilford announced it was moving its administration from London to Mobberley, though technical services, sales & marketing remained in London. Also, the trade counter remained at Tottenham Street, London.

XP2 (C41 process) film updated late summer 1996. Made more easily compatible with Multigrade IV paper, the ISO 400 film had more contrast but was intended to give lower contrast with over-exposed negatives and more printing latitude. Sharpnes is better. Price remained as for the original XP2 (released 1991) and was available in the same formats, being 35mm, 120 and sheet film.

Ilford become Ilford Imaging Ltd on 1st January under new owners Doughty Hanson & Co.
Ilford enter the mass inkjet consumer market with the launch of the PRINTASIA Inkjet Photo Range of papers.

Ilford high speed Delta 3200 Professional Film launced at Photokina (10 years after Kodak's Tmax 3200). Ilford stole a march, however, by also introducing their film in the 120 roll format. Ilford's previous ultra high speed film was the little-loved 800ASA HPS, which was removed from the range in the late 1960s.

Ilford launch the GALERIE Inkjet Photo Range of paper and media.

Focal Press publish the 9th edition of ''The Manual of Photography', née 'The Ilford Manual of Photography', ISBN: 0240515749, edited by Ralph E. Jacobson, Sidney F. Ray, Norman R. Axford and Geoffrey G. Attridge. (see year entries for 1890, 1958 and 1971 above, Ref. D.M).
Focal Press say "The Manual of Photography is the standard work for anyone who is serious about photography: professional photographers and lab technicians or managers, as well as students and enthusiastic amateurs who want to become more technically competent. The authors provide comprehensive and accessible coverage of the techniques and technologies of photography. Major new updates for the ninth edition include:
Coverage of digital techniques -- more emphasis on electronic and hybrid media
Greater coverage of color measurement, specification and reproduction-illustrated with a new color-plate section ."
The co-author Sidney F. Ray was a chemist at Johnsons during the period 1960-66 and he wrote the Johnsons of Hendon family history which he has allowed to appear on this website.

Ilford Imaging celebrates 125 years of photographic manufacturing, BUT:
On 24th August, Ilford Imaging (part of Ilford Anitec) collapses into administration. The Times carried an article:
"The move follows a 26 per cent plunge in sales at the UK division in the first seven months of this year, blamed on falling demand for black and white pictures and a surge in the popularity of digital imaging.
The UK division employs 740 people at Mobberley in Cheshire, where it principally manufactures black and white supplies.
Mark Byers, head of recovery and reorganisation services at Grant Thornton, which is handling the receivership process, said that it planned to analyse the traditional photographic business with a view to selling it as a going concern.
The company, which was bought by Doughty Hanson, the private equity company, for £85 million in 1998, also said that it planned to sell its Swiss business, which develops and manufactures digital inkjet products. The Swiss division continues to trade normally and is not in any form of insolvency. Mr Byers said the division had a large market share and the potential for further growth.
In the past four years Ilford said that it had managed to reverse a decline in sales by refocusing the business on digital photography products, with sales in the year to December 2003 hitting $233 million (£129 million), up from $210 million in 2002. Profit growth at the digital inkjet business has continued to accelerate, but the decline in the black and white photographic market has continued. This together with the weakness of the US dollar and a decision to reduce black and white film stock by many shops has led to losses."

On 1st September, the BJP website carried further news:
Almost half the jobs at Ilford's Mobberley plant have been slashed in an attempt to save the ailing company.
Grant Thornton, receivers of Ilford Imaging UK Limited, stated that the move, which sees the workforce at Mobberley cut by 330 to 400, is part of a restructuring program to make the business more appealing to potential buyers.
Sales of monochrome photographic supplies manufactured at the Mobberley site were down 26% in the first half of the year and there are rumours that Ilford is £40 million in debt.
Grant Thornton are looking into the possibility of selling the UK film and paper divisions as a 'going concern' while the profitable digital inkjet business based in Switzerland, which is a legacy of when the company was owned by Ciba Geigy, would be sold separately and continues to trade normally while a buyer is sought.

On 27th October, the BJP website carried further news:
Ilford's administrator, accountancy firm Grant Thornton, confirmed considerable interest. Mark Byers from Grant Thornton told BJP that several companies had made inquiries and that discussions were taking place. Byers said he hoped to have good news for Ilford 'this side of Christmas'.
At Photokina, the tenuous future brought photographers flocking to the Ilford stand, buying out stock that many believed would soon be unavailable. Howard Hopwood, head of Ilford Brands Worldwide, gave reassurances, forecasting that sales would continue for at least the eight weeks following the trade show. He said: 'There is still a demand for black-and-white papers and film ...however, this doesn't mean that I think it will last for ever.'

On 8th December, the BJP website carried the news:
BJP has learnt that a management buyout is being considered. Byers (Grant Thornton) told BJP of discussions with several other buyers, although he would not divulge the number of the names of interested parties. According to one of those potential buyers (anonymous), a management buyout looks like the most likely option. Byers did not confirm this, but added that Grant Thornton was keen to find a deal that would 'preserve jobs and preserve the trade'. He added that he was confident that an announcement would be made early in the new year (2005).
Ilford has continued to manufacture its papers and films, allaying the fears of many photographers who flocked to the company's stand at Photokina.
Prospects are also fair for Ilford's profitable inkjet operations in Switzerland, which Byers has confirmed are being marketed for sale. He said: 'Grant Thornton is looking to finalise a deal by the end of the first quarter next year'.

Pedro Costa, from Porto, Portugal, has written to tell me that his family previously owned the company that was Ilford’s distributor in Portugal.
Pedro, together with previous generations of his family, had involvement with Ilford from 1916 to 2004. But in 2004, with all the problems related to the the advent of digital photography and the changes this caused within Ilford, his family's business was forced to “sell” its distribution contract to another company based in Spain, and close their own.

Pedro tells me that he worked with Simon Galley and Howard Hopwood during many Photokina trade shows, and also with Martin Hadden, responsible for the Iberian market at the time (a good friend).
Pedro still owns one of the small souvenir Ilford clocks (see 2007, below), plus a couple of copies of the historical book of Ilford Ltd, “Silver by the Ton”. He also has very good memories from his childhood of the smell of Ilford chemistry in the warehouse and darkroom.

On 23rd February, the BJP website carried the GOOD NEWS: Ilford rescued from extinction
Ilford's UK operations have been saved from closure by a management buyout.
Rumours of a management buyout, first reported in BJP in December, have proved accurate as an agreement has finally been reached at Ilford's Manchester headquarters. Although details are scarce, and the announcement will only formally be made to the public at Focus-on-Imaging (NEC; B'ham 27th Feb-2nd March), it has been revealed that the new company will operate under the name of Ilford Photo, with a corporate name of Harman Technology. It will focus on monochrome products. The company will be lead by a six man management team, headed up by the new managing director, Phil Harris. Behind him will be Howard Hopwood as marketing director, Andy Taylor as finance director, Steven Brierley as sales director UK, USA and Australia. Simon Galley has been appointed sales director of the European and export markets and Peter Elton as operations director.

A buyer has yet to be found for the remainder of Ilford Imaging Group, which includes the profitable Swiss manufacturing site and distribution companies in the USA, France, Benelux, Switzerland and Australia.

Also, Ilford's own web site announced from Mobberley, February 21st:
"125 year old ILFORD Imaging UK Ltd, the World's leading supplier of Monochrome photographic materials has emerged from receivership today through a complex and innovative management buy out (MBO). The new Company will trade under the name of ILFORD Photo, with a new Corporate name of Harman Technology.
In a deal that secures hundreds of jobs in the North West of England, the ILFORD Photo Management Team of Phil Harris (Chairman and Managing Director), Howard Hopwood (Marketing Director), Andy Taylor (Finance Director), Steven Brierley (Sales Director UK, USA and Australia), Simon Galley (Sales Director European and Export Markets), and Peter Elton (Operations Director) will take over the running of the World Famous Black and White Photo Business with immediate effect."
Follow the above link to the Ilford Photo web site for the complete announcement. Harman Technology is a nice touch, presumably intending to link the present with Ilford's original founder, Alfred Hugh Harman.

On 9th March, the BJP website carried FURTHER GOOD NEWS:
"It's good news at last for black-and-white photographers - following last month's management buyout, Ilford Photo says that not only will it continue its current range of monochrome products, it also plans to reintroduce abandoned lines.
According to Phil Harris (see picture), Ilford Photo's chairman and managing director, the company will retain all existing film lines except SFX200, as well as all existing papers and liquid chemistry. Dry chemistry products, warmtone developers and a number of abandoned papers will be reintroduced over the next few months, and the company hopes to enter new markets such as glass plate coating." BJP have commented that the saviour of black-and-white in the UK could turn out to be the student market, which Ilford Photo believes is key to its new business.

Mobberley, 20th June, Ilford Photo published a press release "...the newly emerged organisation is now able to draw breath and assess its current situation."

On 29th June issue a 'conversion table' for photographers who want to find an 'Ilford equivalent' paper to their current Kodak paper. Follows Kodak's recent decision to stop making its own b&w papers after a 'dramatic' drop in demand.

On 13th July, the BJP website announces Oji Paper, a 130-year old company based in Tokyo, has bought Ilford Imaging Group's Swiss operations for an undisclosed sum. The Swiss business is based around a manufacturing plant in Marly, in which the majority of Ilford's inkjet products are produced - including the Ilford-branded Gallerie and Printasia papers. The move will have little impact on Ilford Photo said Phil Harris, managing director. 'Although the plant in Mobberley, Cheshire, does some contract manufacturing of inkjet products for the Swiss company, we are separate companies. We will manufacture some products for the new owner until the end of this year but don't know what will happen beyond this.'

August, ILFORD Photo resumed shipment of ID-11 and Microphen powder monochrome film developers. ID-11 is supplied in 1 litre and 5 litre packs, with Microphen in 1-litre packs. Powder chemical manufacture at the UK site in Mobberley, Cheshire, had ceased when Ilford Imaging went into receivership. Fact sheets on the newly available ID-11 and Microphen obtainable by following the links on this page.

On 6th Sept, Amateur Photographer reported Ilford's reintroduction of its mail-order process-paid b&w developing and printing service. Pre-paid envelopes can be used simply for processing an existing film or can be purchased complete with a b&w film such as Ilford FP4 Plus. The service also accepts b&w single-use cameras such the Ilford HP5 Plus Single Use Camera. The standard service delivers 6x4in prints with white borders on Ilford Multigrade RC paper which are returned in 'sturdy' storage boxes in an average of five days. It costs £11.74 for the standard process-paid 6x4in service (up to 27 exposures). There is also an option to have images printed in 7x5in format at an extra cost.

October announcement of a limited number of the ILFORD 2150RC processors (see picture) and ILFORD 1250RC dryers to be manufactured. The ILFORD 2150RC tabletop processor outputs up to 460 8x10ins prints per hour including automatic rinsing.

The dryer takes less than 20 seconds to dry a 10x8ins print, and is the ideal companion to the ILFORD 2150RC processor.

The picture alongside is believed to show the 2150RC complete with its dryer module.

A new selenium toner, the first of a full range of colour toners from ILFORD Photo, due for marketing in the summer. The high quality formula is straightforward in use and emphasises the versatile tonal range of black-and-white prints.

June announcement of an exclusive distribution agreement with WYNIT, Inc. of Syracuse, New York, for distribution of ILFORD black-and-white photo products in the USA and Canada. Arrangements to be complete by 1st July. Subsequently, an American subsidiary, HARMAN technology LLC was set up in New Jersey to handle all market development and technical support in North America.

26Sept - 1Oct at Photokina, primary position on the ILFORD Photo stand is ILFORD GALERIE FB DIGITAL (a heavyweight 315g/m2 baryta fibre-based paper) making its world debut. This is the only paper in the world utilising ILFORD Photo's fibre base material which can be exposed in digital laser printers, providing the opportunity to create genuine silver gelatine prints from digital images.

ILFORD Photo management team since February 2005, consists of:
Phil Harris (Chairman and Managing Director; centre front row), Andy Taylor (Finance Director; front row left), Peter Elton (Operations Director; front row right), Howard Hopwood (Marketing Director; back row left), Simon Galley (Sales Director European and Export Markets; back row centre) and Steven Brierley (Sales Director UK, USA and Australia; back row right).

December 2006, ILFORD Photo announced a new service to bring together users and retailers of its products. Called Direct2Dealer (D2D) the service is based on a catalogue of more than 380 products available from ILFORD Photo.

The catalogue is being distributed to colleges and universities which run photographic courses, as well as to retailers. It is free to users by telephoning 0800 234 6484. Users telephone their order for products and pay an average retail price - carriage is free on orders totalling more than £45, otherwise it is £4.99. The products ordered are sent to the customer's nearest ILFORD Photo participating stockist for collection. Orders placed before 1:00pm should be delivered the next working day. The retailer's margin is paid by way of a monthly credit note.

This small clock was a free gift from Ilford at the 'Focus on Imaging' Exhibition, NEC, Birmingham, UK.

It was donated to me by Mike Austin of the Riding High Gallery "Gallery and gifts, antiques and collectables. Studio ceramics. Internet Cafe. Museum of cycling memorabilia" in Great Malvern. Mike makes a good cup of coffee, provides interesting conversation and has a fascinating emporium, so do drop in if you are in the area.

'The History of Harman' booklet with pull-out Harman timeline, as given away at the 'Focus on Imaging' exhibition, NEC, Birmingham, UK during February 2007.

Kindly donated by Roger Gittins.

October, HARMAN technology Ltd announced the acquisition of Kentmere Photographic Ltd. HARMAN is keen to stress that the Kentmere brand will remain relatively unchanged. It will continue to offer the same resin coated and fibre based monochrome papers and inkjet products, including Opaljet, whilst employing the same marketing approach. See Kentmere's own web site.

ILFOSPEED RC DIGITAL joins ILFORD Galerie FB Digital paper. A medium weight (270g/m2), resin-coated, water resistant photographic paper which produces a neutral image with excellent contrast, sharpness and surface finish. It enables continuous tone b&w images to be printed from digital files prepared from b&w or colour film negatives or positives, prints and digital originals. The results are equal to those seen when using conventional black-and-white printing materials and exposing equipment.

This small, free, 8 page leaflet, dated February 2009 (B09), explains that 'ILFORD LAB DIRECT' is a high quality, black & white photographic developing and printing service, producing prints on Ilford silver gelatin photographic paper from both film and digital files. Lab Direct is both a mail order service and is also available 'online'. Prints, 4"x6" up to 10"x15", are delivered 'to your door'.

The leaflet compliments the Black & White Process and Print Service announced in 2008, see the item above.