I wish to experiment with and learn the anthotype process, a sustainable method of photographic printing that uses plant-based materials to create photosensitive emulsions. By exploring this historical process, I seek to learn more about sustainable alternatives to traditional photographic techniques, which often rely on toxic chemicals and energy-intensive processes.
The anthotype process was invented by Sir John Herschel in 1839, and it uses plant-based materials such as fruits, vegetables, and flowers to create light-sensitive emulsions. I will explore how the sustainable ethos of this process can inform my future artistic work, particularly with regards to using low-toxicity, biodegradable materials, and adopting a philosophy of reusing, recycling, and reducing waste.
My aim is for this research and experimentation to come to fruition as an exhibition. My artwork has a strong participatory element to it, which would see the audience invited to interact with several of the works. The works would use the techniques I have refined during the two-year period. The subject matter of the works would explore my working class lived experience of playing games in the social club. I would draw on the interactivity of the games played and the warmth of the community and embed this into the exhibition. I would like to connect with Darlington social clubs to work with them or make/present work in them.
By learning these printing processes, I will be able to add the technique to my toolbox of processes and skills to use on future projects.
On a broader scale, this funding will support my long-term goal of evolving my practice into one that continues to be photographically progressive. It will enable me to build a body of work that can be exhibited in galleries or shared in other ways that promote meaningful conversations around the themes I’m exploring. By advancing the technical and conceptual aspects of my photography, such as learning the anthrotype process, this grant will be a catalyst for my continued growth as an artist and contribute toward a more sustainable, creative practice in the years to come.
My proposed project explores sustainable photographic processes—specifically the anthotype technique, which uses plant-based materials to create images without harmful chemicals. Through this work, I aim to raise awareness of environmentally conscious art-making while contributing to the growing conversation around sustainability in the creative industries.
Darlington social clubs have a history connected to social reform and community building. They were places for working-class individuals to relax, socialize, and enjoy activities like games and music. By presenting this project in Darlington, I will share knowledge of alternative photographic methods through exhibitions, talks, and participatory events, making these innovative techniques accessible to local audiences. The final body of work will be inspired by my working-class upbringing and the warmth of community life in social clubs—spaces of play, connection, and resilience. This personal narrative, paired with the tactile, interactive nature of the work, will invite audiences to reflect on both the environmental impact of creative practices and the social power of art.
I hope to create a space for dialogue, learning, and connection—contributing to Darlington’s cultural life while encouraging others to think critically and creatively about sustainability, community, and the future of artistic practice.
2023-25. Almost Nothing But Blue Ground, a collaboration between Matthew Benington and Tom Pope that takes the format of a research-led project focusing on the life of Anna Atkins. The research informed a weeklong walk from the house where Atkins lived in Tonbridge to Ferring. Over the course of the walk, a series of cyanotype photographs were made with the resulting works and research being presented as a performative lecture and exhibition.
During 2024/25 the exhibition and performative lecture has toured t13 venues including: Natural History Museum, London, Linnean Society, London, Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow, Saltspace, Glasgow, Forma, London, Old Big School Gallery, Tonbridge, Original Projects, Great Yarmouth, Kingston Museum, London, Ferring Village hall, Ferring, Ffotogallery, Cardiff and History of Science Museum, Oxford. 2022 Terminating Martin Parr, ArtHouse Jersey, performance and publication
Terminating Martin Parr is a performance by Tom Pope where he destroyed 17 photographs created by Martin Parr. The 7-hour 47-minute performance took place on 19th May 2022 at ArtHouse Jersey in front of a live audience and streamed live. In 2013 the Archisle Contemporary Photography Program hosted by the Société Jersiaise commissioned Martin Parr to create a new series on Jersey. With the Société Jersiaise purchasing 10 of the 27 images Parr exhibited, the remaining 17 needed to be destroyed. It’s uneconomical to ship and store the works. The prints needed to be destroyed with photographic documentation sent to Parr as proof of their destruction.
The project was published in 2024 with a performative launch at Peckham 24. 2019 One Square Club, Frieze Art Fair Los Angeles
One Square Club is the most exclusive private members’ club in the world and a performance work. The club has unique premises measuring one square metre that offers premium facilities, including a bar and events. Members of One Square Club are also participating in an experiential artwork; Pope is the flamboyant host of this interactive performance installation and fully-functioning private members’ club where the exclusive member actively shapes how their time is spent. The club, like a dormant stage becomes alive when the member and host collaboratively engage.
Do you have a degree in visual or applied arts at undergraduate and/or post-graduate level? Please provide details. (200 words)
I have a ba (Hons) in Photography in the Arts from Swansea metropolitan University and a Mastering in Photography (Fine Art) from the Royal College of Art
Have you previously received professional grants or awards? Please give details. (200 words)
2023 Arts Council England Project Grant to tour Almost Nothing But Blue Ground
2020 Arts Council England Project Grant
2020 a-n Artist Bursary
2018 Winner of the ING Unseen Instagram Competition
2017 Photofusion’s Select Award Winner for the Salon/17
2016 Winner of the Gazelli Art House Window Project
2016 Winner of the Artists Fund Award for the project One Square Club
2014 Winner of the Night Contact Grant resulting in commissioned new film in collaboration with Terry Smith
2013 Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Arts Grant
Tempting Failure Bursary Recipient
2011 Winner of the Deutsche Bank Award for Art £10,000
Shortlisted for the Prix Leica Photography Prize
2010 Photograph of the month at the National Portrait Gallery London
2009 Shortlisted for the Sir Leslie Joseph Young Artist Award 2009
Awarded a bursary from Royal West of England Academy
I have a ba (Hons) in Photography in the Arts from Swansea metropolitan University and a Mastering in Photography (Fine Art) from the Royal College of Art
2023 Arts Council England Project Grant to tour Almost Nothing But Blue Ground
2020 Arts Council England Project Grant
2020 a-n Artist Bursary
2018 Winner of the ING Unseen Instagram Competition
2017 Photofusion’s Select Award Winner for the Salon/17
2016 Winner of the Gazelli Art House Window Project
2016 Winner of the Artists Fund Award for the project One Square Club
2014 Winner of the Night Contact Grant resulting in commissioned new film in collaboration with Terry Smith
2013 Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Arts Grant
Tempting Failure Bursary Recipient
2011 Winner of the Deutsche Bank Award for Art £10,000
Shortlisted for the Prix Leica Photography Prize
2010 Photograph of the month at the National Portrait Gallery London
2009 Shortlisted for the Sir Leslie Joseph Young Artist Award 2009
Awarded a bursary from Royal West of England Academy
For 4 years I co run ArtLacuna, a project space and artists studios in Battersea, London. We had 8 artists with studios and had a programme of exhibitions, performances, talks and events.
I was commissioned to take a portrait of Steve Jones (scientist) this portrait is held in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery photographic collection and The National Museum of Wales photographic collection.
As a result of a residency I have work in The Jersey Photography Archive.
2015 Archisle Photographer in Residence for 6 months, Société Jersiaise, Jersey
2009 Residency in Atelier de Visu, Marseille led by Antoine D’Agata
Address: 93 Beaconsfield Road, Hastings, TN343TW, GB
Local Authority: Hastings Borough Council
