Foundation (1879–1902)

Ilford traces its origins to Alfred Hugh Harman, an English entrepreneur who began manufacturing gelatin dry photographic plates in the basement of his home in 1879. As demand for photography increased during the late Victorian era, Harman expanded production and established the Britannia Works Company in Ilford, Essex.

By the late 1890s, the business had become one of Britain’s leading photographic manufacturers, producing photographic plates and papers for both amateur and professional photographers. In 1902, the company officially adopted the name Ilford Limited, inspired by the town where it was founded. [2]

Growth and Innovation (1902–1959)

Throughout the early twentieth century, Ilford became one of the pioneers of photographic technology.

Major developments included:

• Introduction of roll film in 1912

• Expansion into photographic papers

• Development of infrared-sensitive photographic materials

• Production of cine film

• Continued advances in silver-halide emulsion technology

During World War II, Ilford supplied photographic materials for scientific, industrial, and military applications despite damage to its facilities during the London Blitz. [3]

Color Photography Era (1960s–1990s)

Although Ilford became famous for monochrome photography, the company also invested heavily in color imaging.

Notable products included:

• Ilfocolor color films

• Ilfochrome (formerly Cibachrome), one of the highest-quality color photographic printing systems ever produced

During this period, ownership changed several times:

• Majority acquired by ICI in 1959

• Later jointly owned with Ciba AG

• Fully acquired by Ciba in 1969

Despite success in color photography, increasing competition from companies such as Kodak and Fuji made the market increasingly difficult. [4]

Reorganization and Harman Technology (2005–Present)

Following financial difficulties affecting the wider Ilford group in the early 2000s, the UK black-and-white photographic business underwent a management buyout in 2005, forming Harman Technology Limited, named after founder Alfred Harman.

The company retained the Ilford Photo brand for analog photographic products and continues manufacturing in Mobberley, Cheshire, England.

In 2015, Harman Technology was acquired by Pemberstone Ventures Ltd., providing long-term investment for continued film production. [5]

Ilford specializes primarily in black-and-white photographic materials.

Black-and-White Films

Its films are among the most widely used in analog photography.

Popular products include:

• HP5 Plus 400 – High-speed, versatile documentary and street photography film

• FP4 Plus 125 – Fine grain with excellent sharpness

• Delta 100 Professional – Modern T-grain emulsion with high resolution

• Delta 400 Professional

• Delta 3200 Professional – Extremely high-speed low-light film

• Pan F Plus 50 – Ultra-fine grain, high-detail film

• XP2 Super 400 – Chromogenic black-and-white film processed using the C-41 color process [6]

Photographic Papers

Ilford manufactures both resin-coated (RC) and fiber-based (FB) darkroom papers.

Major product families include:

• Multigrade RC Deluxe

• Multigrade FB Classic

• Multigrade Art 300

• Warmtone FB

• Cooltone papers

Their Multigrade system allows photographers to vary print contrast using filters instead of changing paper grades, making it one of the industry’s most influential darkroom innovations. [7]

Darkroom Chemicals

Ilford also produces chemicals for film processing and print development, including:

• ID-11 developer

• Microphen

• Ilfotec developers

• Rapid Fixer

• Ilfostop stop bath

• Wash aids

• Wetting agents

These products are designed to work together as a complete analog workflow. [8]

Unlike many historic film brands that outsourced production or discontinued manufacturing, Ilford continues to coat and finish its own photographic materials in Mobberley, Cheshire, UK.

The company is notable for maintaining:

• Emulsion production

• Film coating

• Paper coating

• Chemical manufacturing

• Packaging

all at its UK facilities. [9]

Ilford has earned a reputation for:

• Consistent product quality

• Excellent exposure latitude

• Fine grain structure

• Long-term product availability

• Strong support for traditional darkroom printing

Many photography schools, universities, and fine-art photographers continue to rely on Ilford products due to their consistency and reliability. [10]

During the digital photography revolution of the 2000s, numerous film manufacturers discontinued products or exited the market entirely.

Ilford instead focused on:

• Preserving black-and-white film manufacturing

• Supporting darkroom education

• Publishing technical documentation

• Running community initiatives

• Encouraging new generations of film photographers

The resurgence of analog photography has strengthened Ilford’s position as one of the leading manufacturers of monochrome photographic materials. [11]

Ilford is widely associated with:

• Professional black-and-white photography

• Fine art photography

• Documentary photography

• Street photography

• Film education

• Traditional darkroom printing

Its products are often recognized by their distinctive black, white, and green packaging, particularly the iconic HP5 Plus and FP4 Plus film boxes.

Although they share the historic “Ilford” name, two separate businesses now exist:

• ILFORD PHOTO (Harman Technology Limited) – Produces black-and-white films, papers, and darkroom chemistry in the UK.

• ILFORD Imaging Europe GmbH – Focuses on inkjet media, fine art papers, and digital imaging products under the ILFORD brand. [12]

With a history spanning more than 145 years, Ilford is one of the oldest continuously recognized names in photography. Its commitment to maintaining traditional film manufacturing has made it a cornerstone of the modern analog photography community. From its pioneering dry plates in the 19th century to today’s black-and-white films and darkroom materials, Ilford continues to play a central role in preserving and advancing photographic craftsmanship. [13]

1. About Us – Ilford Photo %

2. Ilford Photo

3. History of ILFORD PHOTO – Ilford Photo %

4. Harman’s wild leap into making color film is turning into one of analog photography’s most incredible stories

5. Ilford | Premium Imaging Products

6. About Us –

7. Ilford Limited – Analogue Stories – National Portrait Gallery

8. イルフォードイルフォードの歴史 | イルフォード

9. イルフォードブランドTOPページ｜ILFORD

10. イルフォード　PHOTO

11. イルフォード　PHOTO » 製品情報

12. Ilford Imaging Limited | Science Museum Group Collection

13. Products Archives – Ilford Photo