Hannah Fletcher: Re-Thinking Photographic Futures Through Ecology, Materiality and Collective Practice

Who Is Hannah Fletcher?

Hannah Fletcher is a UK-based plant-based photographic artist whose work sits at the intersection of analogue photography, ecology, material research and collective practice. Based in London, she is widely recognised for challenging conventional, consumer-driven photographic systems and for advancing environmentally responsible alternatives within contemporary photography. As the Founder of The Sustainable Darkroom and Co-Director of the London Alternative Photography Collective, Hannah Fletcher has become a leading voice in re-imagining what photography can be in an age of ecological urgency.

Hannah Fletcher’s Artistic Practice and Philosophy

Re-thinking Photography Beyond Consumerism

At the core of Hannah Fletcher’s practice is a critical re-evaluation of photography’s dependence on extractive materials, toxic chemicals and capitalist production models. Working predominantly with analogue processes, she adapts materials and environments to form what she describes as “new ecologies” of image-making. Rather than treating photography as a tool for representation alone, she allows materials, landscapes and processes to guide the formation of images.

Material-Led and Ecological Image Making

Hannah Fletcher’s work moves away from control and predictability. By relinquishing authorial dominance, she foregrounds the agency of ecological systems. Her practice prioritises:

• DIY and low-impact photographic processes

• Low-waste and plant-based chemistry

• Slowness, limitation and productive error

This approach allows photography to operate as a collaborative process between human and non-human actors, rather than a purely technical or commercial activity.

The Sustainable Darkroom and Hannah Fletcher’s Leadership

Founder of The Sustainable Darkroom

One of Hannah Fletcher’s most significant contributions is the founding of The Sustainable Darkroom, the world’s first and only charity dedicated to researching and sharing lower-toxicity photographic materials and methods. Established in 2019, the organisation operates as both a research platform and a global community.

Collectivity, Commons and Knowledge Sharing

Through The Sustainable Darkroom, Hannah Fletcher places strong emphasis on collectivity and the commons. The organisation promotes:

• Open access knowledge

• Collaborative research

• Ethical material use in photography

Her leadership extends beyond artistic practice into education, mentoring, fundraising, organisational development and international community building.

London Alternative Photography Collective

Co-Director and Long-Term Facilitator

Alongside her work with The Sustainable Darkroom, Hannah Fletcher is Co-Director of the London Alternative Photography Collective, an open collective that has been active for over a decade. The collective promotes accessibility and experimentation within analogue and alternative photography.

Supporting Experimental and Critical Photography

Under her co-direction, the collective:

• Organises exhibitions, symposiums and residencies

• Supports practitioners who challenge traditional photographic norms

• Encourages skill exchange across disciplines

This collective model reflects Hannah Fletcher’s broader commitment to moving away from individualistic artistic practices towards shared, community-led approaches.

Expanding Photography Through Waste and Residue

From Degraded Chemistry to New Mediums

A defining feature of Hannah Fletcher’s work is her use of waste materials generated through photographic practice. Rather than discarding residues, she re-uses them to create new forms. Examples include:

• Making paint from degraded photo-chemistries

• Creating sculptural works that reclaim silver from spent fixer

These processes lead her into unfamiliar aesthetics and new material languages, reinforcing her interest in photographic expansion and fluidity.

Learning Through Error and Transformation

By embracing degradation, residue and unpredictability, Hannah Fletcher reframes error as a generative force. Her practice becomes a site of continuous learning, rooted in gratitude and attentiveness to complex ecological relationships.

Education and Academic Background

University of the Arts London

Hannah Fletcher completed a Bachelor of Arts in Photography at University of the Arts London, graduating in 2017. This academic foundation informs her research-driven approach and her ability to bridge artistic practice with critical theory and environmental thinking.

Early Research and Professional Roles

Following her studies, she worked in research and darkroom-based roles, galleries and arts organisations, developing a strong understanding of photographic infrastructures, archives and institutional practices.

Exhibitions and International Recognition

Museums, Galleries and Festivals

Hannah Fletcher has exhibited internationally across major museums, galleries and photography festivals. Her exhibition history includes respected institutions such as:

• Chappe Art Museum

• Photo50 at London Art Fair

• Belfast Photo Festival

• Unseen

• Photo Oxford

• The Photographers’ Gallery

• The Saatchi Gallery

These exhibitions reflect the growing international recognition of her ecological and material-led photographic practice.

Teaching, Workshops and Knowledge Exchange

Teaching at Leading Cultural Institutions

In addition to her artistic work, Hannah Fletcher is an experienced educator. She has taught and delivered workshops at prominent venues, including:

• The Science Gallery

• Victoria and Albert Museum

• The Royal Academy

• Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe

• Hestercombe Gardens and Gallery

• The Royal College of Art

• Slade School of Art

• Karlsruhe University of Arts and Design

• The Architectural Association

Her teaching focuses on alternative photographic processes, sustainability and critical engagement with materials.

Digital Presence and Contemporary Influence

Engaging Audiences Across Platforms

Hannah Fletcher maintains an active digital presence, using social media to share research, process-based work and critical reflections on photographic futures. Her online profiles reflect the same values that underpin her practice: openness, collectivity and ecological responsibility.

Quick Info

Conclusion

Hannah Fletcher stands out as a leading figure in contemporary photography for her ability to combine rigorous material research, ecological ethics and collective practice. Through her artwork, teaching, and leadership of The Sustainable Darkroom and the London Alternative Photography Collective, she is actively reshaping how photography is made, taught and understood in the UK and beyond. Her work offers a compelling vision of photographic futures grounded in care, sustainability and shared knowledge.

FAQs

1. Who is Hannah Fletcher?

Hannah Fletcher is a UK-based plant-based photographic artist working predominantly with analogue photography. She is known for re-thinking photographic practices beyond consumerist and capitalist models by focusing on ecological systems, material agency and low-impact image-making.

2. What is Hannah Fletcher known for?

Hannah Fletcher is best known as the Founder of The Sustainable Darkroom and Co-Director of the London Alternative Photography Collective. Her work centres on sustainable photographic processes, DIY methods, plant-based chemistry and the reuse of photographic waste as creative material.

3. What is The Sustainable Darkroom founded by Hannah Fletcher?

The Sustainable Darkroom is the world’s first charity and online community dedicated to researching and sharing lower-toxicity, environmentally responsible photographic materials and methods. Founded in 2019 by Hannah Fletcher, it promotes collective learning, open knowledge and ethical photographic practice.

4. Where has Hannah Fletcher exhibited her work?

Hannah Fletcher has exhibited internationally in museums, galleries and festivals, including major UK and European venues such as leading photography fairs, contemporary art galleries and cultural institutions. Her work has also been shown in both experimental and research-led exhibition contexts.

5. Where did Hannah Fletcher study photography?

Hannah Fletcher studied photography at the University of the Arts London, where she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Photography. Her academic background strongly informs her research-driven, material-led and environmentally focused artistic practice.

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