ABOUT
Illuminate is based at Brightwell Barns in the Suffolk countryside. It provides a creative environment where the community and professionals can enhance their artistic skills, learn new techniques, showcase work and purchase photographic supplies and equipment.
Illuminate's aim is to both inspire and support creatives in all ways possible, whether that's learning a new skill in the darkroom, or needing advice on how to structure a creative business.
Through the shop is a large, spacious gallery which has monthly exhibitions. The gallery is available for hire for groups, individuals or you can enter one of our themed exhibitions.
As you enter you will be greeted with a shop full of a range of artists work and photographic supplies, such as analogue cameras and film.
The photographic studio has a large window for natural light as well as various studio lighting. The studio is available for hire and has a range of backdrops and props for clients to use. Workshops in the studio are also offered.
One of Illuminate's main features is our photographic darkroom which hosts 3 colour & black and white enlargers, one is suitable for medium format film. The darkroom is available for hire and we offer a wide range of workshops which can be found here.
MEET THE TEAM
The face behind Illuminate...
Mikaela Rackham is a photographic artist and educator based in Suffolk. After completing an Art and Design course at college focusing on digital media and collage, Mikaela moved onto a Fine Art Degree at UCS. During this time she experimented with a wide range of processes, from printmaking, sculpture, to photography.
Once her degree was complete Mikaela moved straight into her getting a PGCE and went onto teach at Northgate High School for 7 years. During this time Mikaela also ran a photographic business focusing on branding, portraits and weddings.
In 2021 Mikaela completed an MA in Photography with Falmouth University, during her MA she experimented with analogue photography, particularly pushing techniques in the darkroom, from experimental cyanotypes to liquid light printing onto wood. Mikaela creates artwork that explores themes of nature, mythology, surreal and alternative worlds as well as cultural story telling.
In July 2022, Mikaela created Illuminate, a create space for artists and photographers to share their practice, learn new skills and exhibit their work.
Photograph by Pixie Postcards
BETH & PAUL
Beth is a print maker based in Ipswich, Suffolk. Beth has been part of the Illuminate journey from the beginning!
Beth helps with hanging the exhibitions, children workshops, manning the shop & gallery, and well keeping Mikaela sane through running a small business!
Beth is a joy to be around and brings some fresh creative, fun, energy into the space, we're super pleased to have Beth as part of the team!
Paul is a keen film photographer and joined Illuminate through attending some of our workshops.
Paul has come on board to assist with the darkroom, manning the gallery & studio and helping out with anything and everything Illuminate!
Paul is the perfect fit for Illuminate, a super enthusiastic person with a great smile to welcome you all too!