This article is reproduced from a booklet produced in 1960 to celebrate the centenary of the BPS
THE FIRST YEAR OF THE SOCIETY
We can find no public announcement of the intention to form a society in Bradford. It seems as if a number of enthusiasts already in contact with one another decided to form themselves into a society. This intention was implemented on the 7th November 1860 at a meeting arranged informally, but it was not until after that the local and photographic Press received any information.
The majority of members had no wish for publicity and only the first two meetings were reported to the Bradford Observer. In December 1861 they decided to send no further reports to the Press. There is no evidence that they wished to recruit outsiders and the only recorded additions in the first year are two men admitted in February 1861. The printed “Library list" probably shows the names of all the members. Seventeen of these names appear in the published records. We should know very little of their proceedings had it not been for the lucky chance that one member sent unofficial reports of meetings to the British Journal of Photography. These reports were fortunately in great detail, presenting a clear picture of the Society and its working. It is interesting to go through their first year's programme which reveals a striking resemblance to our activities today.