New exhibition on University campus showcases limited-edition platinum-palladium prints from photographer Paul Hill

An upcoming exhibition at the Martin Hall Gallery will be displaying work from acclaimed British photographer Paul Hill.

The collection features a limited-edition set of platinum-palladium prints from some of Paul’s most recognised images based on his renowned Prenotations series from the 1970s. Prized for their rich, subtle tonal quality, wealth of fine detail and stability, the platinum-palladium prints provide a fresh interpretation of his original 35mm negatives.  

The photos have been printed out to a larger scale to recognise and celebrate Paul’s compositions, and have been handcrafted with the assistance of contemporary technology at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ. 

Paul has worked alongside the Studio of Light, a funded research group based in the School of Design and Creative Arts which has been exploring how to make platinum and palladium photographic prints using traditional, scientific, and digital technologies. The group consists of Alan Duncan, Ben Dolman, Professor Paul Kelly a²Ô»å Emeritus Professor Terence Kavanagh. 

Opting for images that would offer a strong tonal range and impact, the original negatives were scanned and digitally processed to make optimal files for the enlarged negatives ready for contact printing in the darkroom. Mastering this challenging process, they can now create consistently superior and exquisite prints, as presented in this exhibition of just 10 photographs from Hill’s most memorable work, named Prenotations Remastered.  

The exhibition will be open from 16 November–22 December in the Martin Hall Gallery. Viewing is by appointment and can be arranged by emailing luarts@lboro.ac.uk. You can also call into the LU Arts office (Room 0.13, Martin Hall) during these hours to ask to be let into the exhibition. 

As part of º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Lates, an evening of art and culture events across the town and on campus, there will be a late opening of the exhibition on Friday 25 November from 5.30pm-8.30pm. 

Accessibility at the exhibition 

There is step-free access into the exhibition space via a ramp and side door. During opening hours, there will be an invigilator on duty in the gallery. If you require their assistance, then please alert them. If you have any specific access requirements then please contact luarts@lboro.ac.uk in advance of your visit. 

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Paul Hill

After working as a newspaper reporter and climbing instructor, Paul become a freelance photographer in 1965 and regularly photographed for the likes of The Guardian and The Observer. Alongside his wife Angela, he is the co-founder of The Photographers’ Place – Britain’s first residential photography workshop – at their home in the Peak District in Derbyshire.  

Exhibiting regularly internationally since 1970, Paul was the first art photographer to receive an MBE for services to photography and the first Professor of Photographic Practice in a British university.