History Timeline
The history of our club, from its humble beginnings right through until the present day.
First Attempt
The first attempt to establish a camera club in Aberdeen.
The club collapsed after a few months due to difficulties in securing accommodation. This was the first of several attempts to establish a permanent camera club in Aberdeen.
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The f8 Club Formation
The f8 Club emerged from Miss Hilda Bailey’s evening class.
A ‘Founder’s Meeting’ established the club with George Kirton as President, George Weir as Secretary, and Helen Henderson as Treasurer. Miss Bailey, who had arrived in Aberdeen before WWI as a teacher of the deaf, was instrumental in its formation.
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Pre-Bon Accord Developments
Major exhibition and club developments.
Miss Bailey and Niven McKenzie ran a major international exhibition for Aberdeen Photographic Association. Following a disagreement, both left Aberdeen CC, and Miss Bailey formed the ‘Camera Pictorialists’, an exclusive club with strict exhibition requirements for members.
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Bon Accord Camera Club Founded
Official founding of Bon Accord Camera Club.
Miss Hilda Bailey became the First Lady President. The club established Thursday night meetings to assist new members and organize evening photography sessions. The outbreak of war saw many members called to service, leading to meetings being held in President George Kirton’s home.
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Post-War Revival
Club establishes new premises at 123a Union Street.
George Kirton became Hon President with Miss Bailey as Hon Vice-President. The club began rebuilding its membership and activities after the war years.
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Scottish Salon Success
Hosted the Scottish Salon opened by Lady Tweedsmuir.
The event featured prints in the Art Gallery and nightly events in Cowdrey Hall, including lantern slides by Miss Bailey and songs by Sandy Cain. The President of the SPF, Mr AB Welsh, attended.
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Royal Photographic Society Exhibition
First Scottish showing of the Royal Photographic Society exhibition.
Club Secretary Ian Sutherland arranged this historic event. The club also ran its yearly exhibition in Gaumont Gallery, featuring 170 studies, including modern trends in photography and color transparencies. Monthly competitions were judged by external experts, with a session fee of £2.
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Move to Leadside Road
The club moved to 17 Leadside Road.
Increasing rent at Union Street forced the move. Miss Bailey officially opened the new premises in September, marking the beginning of a new era for the club.
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Silver Anniversary
Club’s 25th Anniversary celebration.
A special celebration was held at the Park Hotel to mark this significant milestone in the club’s history.
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Scottish Salon Returns
59th Scottish Salon of Photography hosted by BACC in Art Gallery.
Competition Success
BACC Won both the Grampian and Caledonian Cup.
Aberdeen Harbour Exhibition
Special exhibition commissioned by The Friends of Aberdeen Art Gallery.
Club members created a photographic documentation of “The changing face of Aberdeen Harbour,” which was displayed in the Art Gallery.
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Year of Achievements
Multiple successes and changes for the club.
Mrs W. Stewart became the Second Lady President in 42 years. The club won the New Grampian colour slide trophy with the top three slides. Charlie Robb donated the “Best Scottish Landscape” trophy. The “Tenements” exhibition at James Dun’s House documented nineteenth century Aberdeen buildings.
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National Trust Success
Victory in National Trust for Scotland competition.
BACC shared the trophy with Inverurie Academy camera club in the photographic competition organised by National Trust for Scotland in Grampian.
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Tarradale Weekend
Joint photographic weekend with Inverness Camera Club.
In September, the club participated in the Tarradale Photographic Weekend, organized in conjunction with Inverness Camera Club and University of Aberdeen.
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Bennachie Exhibition
“Bennachie in Pictures” exhibition held in James Dun’s House in October.
National Award
Alan Gawthorpe won the National Trust for Scotland Trophy.
Major Transition
Compulsory purchase order and move to Spring Garden.
After receiving a compulsory purchase order for Leadside Road, the club secured new premises in Spring Garden. The building required extensive renovation, with walls rebuilt and a new roof installed. The J.D. Young Trophy was presented to the club from Australia. Doug Shirran received an honor from the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain.
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International Exhibition
Major international salon hosted.
BACC hosted the 1990 Salon of Photography, attracting 5,000 entries from 51 countries, including the Soviet Union. The club also participated in “Images of Grampian” with 150 entries.
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New Home Complete
Official move to Spring Garden premises and Salon 91.
Organized Salon 91 featuring 700 colour and monochrome prints and 700 slides. The 74th Scottish Salon of Photography brought awards to club members. Alastair Paterson won the “Tall Ships” slide competition.
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New Ventures
Launch of Bon-A-Slide and recognition of service.
1992: Establishment of Bon-A-Slide, the club’s own International Exhibition.
1993: Charles Lawson received the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain Award. Success in P & J Calendar Competition.
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Focal Point Launch & SPF Honor
First publication of club magazine and SPF recognition.
Launch of Focal Point, a monthly magazine written and printed by members, featuring photography news and humorous content. Bob Smith received his Roll of Honour certificate from SPF.
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Early Digital Transition
Club begins transition period and raises funds.
While still using slides and 35mm film, the club began incorporating digital prints. Subscription increased to £55. Members enjoyed a photographic weekend in Fort William. Focal Point magazine continued strong publication.
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Major Funding & Renovations
Significant grants and facility improvements.
Scottish Arts Council awarded over £4000 for photographic equipment in 2006-2007. In 2008, Aberdeen City Council provided a £1,000 Cultural Grant, enabling internal club refurbishment.
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Competition Successes
Multiple major competition victories and achievements.
Won Grampian Eye competition in 2014, hosted at Newton Dee Village. The 92nd Scottish International Salon returned to Aberdeen. Members Liana Mirea, George Gray, Roger Hinton, and David Watson achieved CPAGB status.
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Heritage Project & Achievements
“Aberdeen Exposed” project and member accomplishments.
Ian Mitchell gained CPAGB in 2016. In 2017, the club was commissioned for the Aberdeen City Heritage Trust Listed Building Project, photographing 276 locations. David Mair achieved CPAGB status.
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Distinguished Achievements
Multiple members gain prestigious distinctions.
Ian Mitchell achieved MPAGB, an exceptional standard. Helen Mitchell gained CPAGB. In 2019, BACC won Grampian Eye Competition. Sheona Elliot, Helen Mitchell, David Mair, and David Watson achieved DPAGB status.
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Pandemic Era & Recovery
Adapting to challenges and achieving success.
New ventilation system installed. Sarah Dickson won International Maternity Competition. Multiple members gained LRPS accreditation. Club adapted to COVID restrictions, implemented Zoom system. Won Tri-City Competition against South London and Cardiff. Ian Mitchell awarded FIAP Gold Medal and PAGB “Master of Print”.
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Continued Excellence
Competition victories and member achievements.
Won Tri-City Competition again. Successful Ullapool photographic weekend. Helen Mitchell awarded MPAGB. John Stewart achieved CPAGB status.
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Current Success & Community Impact
Competition victories and charitable giving.
Won Grampian Eye with multiple category victories. Raised over £1,000, donating £500 each to Clan Cancer Research and Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance. Won Tri-City Competition. Successful outings including Oban weekend and Beauly trip. Kevin Flanagan achieved DPAGB. Development of new website underway.
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Full details of the clubs history, competition successes and accrediations awarded to members, are avaiable to read in the clubs history archive, kept at the club.