The History of Falkirk Camera Club - Summary
In the Beginning :
On March 22nd 1889 a meeting was held with the purpose of forming an Amateur Photographic Association. "The objects of the association (reported the Falkirk Herald) are the advancement of photographic art and science in the district, and the mutual improvement of the members."
A committee was formed, with Mr William Graham as the President, and thus was born Falkirk Amateur Photographic Association (FAPA). The first meeting of the club took place on April 5 1889 and the club already had between 20 and 30 members. Documented reports show that FAPA ran at least until 1907 but it probably continued until the outbreak of WWI.
And then :
The club has been through many incarnations since that time - reforming after WWI as Falkirk & District Photographic Society (1922-33), becoming part of Falkirk School of Art Club and Photographic Circle (1934-38), continuing after WWII as Falkirk Art & Photographic Club (1946-57), although this generally became referred to as the Falkirk Art Club (FAC).
Between 1953 and 1957 the East Stirlingshire Camera Club (ESCC) existed in parallel with the FAC until, somewhere in the season 1957-58 (exact date still to be established), the photographers of the FAC and ESCC apparently united to form the Falkirk Camera Club.
The Future :
Over the past few years much research has been done into the history of FCC and its predecessors and it is planned to add more pages of history (including images and biographies of our founders; details of office bearers; successful images from past members; trophy winners; external awards won; club venues; FCC's place in the Falkirk community etc., etc.) to this website in the coming months.
If anyone has any items of interest (including photographs of outings pre-1980, syllabuses from pre-1975, etc.); knowledge of the club's history (especially exactly when/how FCC was created and the 1907-18 period); the missing images from past 'of the Year' winners; or Past Presidents; then please contact Geof Longstaff via the club website - or at a club meeting. |