AOP works on a new home

January 20, 2012

Its gratifying that the latest newsletter from The Association of Photographers reports what we have know has been needed for many years… that a new business model for the organisation is finally being put in place… whuhay!

Along with this is the final abandonment of its grandiose plans for expensive showcase premises in the East End on London, remnants of the advertising glory days of bygone years.
The Leonard Street building has been sold. Instead the Association is refurbishing a building which will be more pragmatically located…

The new premises, located on Downham Road, near Haggerston station on Kingsland Road has a double shop front on Downham Road and the rear of the property is almost 70 feet wide. This will have floor to ceiling glass windows and doors opening out onto decking, overlooking the end of a large canal basin. We will now have space that not only provides us with a separate open plan office and adequate storage, but also facilities for members to use when they call in and a bespoke multi-purpose members’ room that can host talks, workshops, Board meetings and the AGM.
The plan is to move into the completed premises in June/July.

Now all they need to do is work out a more realistic membership fee structure, a way of continuing to provide support for ‘photographers rights’ for the years to come, and delivery of a service which is worth the money for those beyond the cosy enclave of East London and the West End. Then, maybe, they will get the membership numbers and regain the respect that the organisation has deserved in the past.