BAKEHOUSE HILL PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO

Bakehouse Hill, in Darlington, in the County of Durham, in the north east of England is situated on the north side of the market square. A market was first held in the square in the 10^th Century and more recently held twice weekly until 1994 after which the square was redeveloped to create an open space for large scale events and festivals.

3-5 Bakehouse Hill

The row of buildings which make up Bakehouse Hill take their name from a common bakery located there in the 18^th century where people could bring their pie or loaf to be baked. The Pennyweight pub was the site of the first bakery and derived its name from its early dealings of charging to bake by the weight. In about 1820 the bakery was moved to 3-5 Bakehouse Hill the building at the north east end, known then as the Bakehouse, and where now we have the photography studio on the second floor with Foffanos restaurant on the ground floor. The original ovens still stretch out many metres under the pavement.

Prior to the 18^th Century and before becoming a bakery, the hill was known as Smithie Hill after the blacksmith’s forge located there as well as serving variously as a pillory, gallows and a bull-baiting ring. It is said, although not confirmed, that 3-5 Bakehouse Hill used to house prisoners who had been condemned to be hanged at the gallows located there.

Studio Internal

Darlington has been frequently featured in television and film dramas and 3-5 Bakehouse Hill featured throughout the BBC television series, Harry, starring Michael Elphick. The attic rooms, which have been used as a background in our photography, were used as Harry’s bedsit.

Make Over Station

The Photography Studio, at 3-5 Bakehouse Hill, consists of a main studio with a full white coving with various backgrounds and a make over station, a smaller studio with dressing accommodation, and a kitchen and toilet. It is available for hire (for enquiries click here or phone 07967 729869), and comes with a wide range of flashlights and light modifiers, and full tuition and assistance from professional photographers on the day. Models, make up artists and hair stylists can also be provided. Postproduction tuition is also available.