Kodak’s Hidden History

Dacorum Heritage Trust are delighted to announce that they have just received a grant from SHARE Museums East for a project exploring Hidden Histories. The title of the project is ‘Underexposed: A Hidden History of Photography In Dacorum’.

Despite the fact that Hemel Hempstead was once at the centre of Kodak’s operations, practically nothing is known of this association today, and younger generations are oblivious to its history.

The project will involve research into how Kodak sparked questions on the New Town, industry, gender, and changes in photography. It will explore the experiences of the people that worked at Kodak and their reminiscences of working in the New Town of Hemel Hempstead.

One aspect DHT is particularly interested in exploring is the role of women in Kodak, and their experiences of working in what would have traditionally been a male dominated industry. This project will also explore the demise of film photography in a digital age and will consider its long-term consequences.

In the run up to the exhibition there will be various pop-up events such as art workshops in Berkhamsted Arts & Crafts shop and Hemel Hempstead library. The research and events will culminate with an exhibition in an empty shop in the Marlowes Shopping Centre, Hemel Hempstead in October.

Zara Power, Museum Support Officer, Dacorum Heritage Trust, said: ‘As part of the project we would like to hear from people who worked at Kodak, so if you worked at Kodak, or indeed know anyone that did please get in touch. We would be delighted to hear from you.’

You can email info@dacorumheritage.org.uk or call 01442 879525 to share your story.

Watch a short film about the project.

Image: Kodak Building taken by a member of the Hemel Hempstead Photography Society.