Harman Technology, the manufacturers of the Ilford Photo range of monochrome photographic products, has been purchased by Pemberstone Ventures Ltd for an undisclosed amount. Founded in 1879, ownership of the company has changed hands several times in the past.
Mark Anslow, CEO of Pemberstone Ventures, a UK-based investment company, commented: “We are very excited by the potential of the analogue photography movement and believe that Harman is uniquely placed to drive the resurgent film market into the future”.
With Agfa no longer in the black and white photographic market, and Kodak pulling out of manufacturing black and white papers, Ilford is the the leading choice for black-and-white photographers. The news marks a positive recognition of a renewed curiosity in film. While digital has long surpassed film in ubiquity, price and ease of use, as the technical gains begin to level out, younger photographers are beginning to discover the unique qualities of film.
Peter Elton, Managing Director of Harman concurs. “Film has become an interesting medium for young photographers to work with again. We are seeing this very clearly. Our new owners will assist us to connect more effectively to this younger generation in the future, and we will prioritise this as our main goal over the next five years.
“We remain totally committed to analogue photography, and indeed to all forms of imaging. Our product range is uniquely stable and of the highest quality, and we can assure all of our customers that we will continue to support them in our customary way for the foreseeable future.”
Whiles Pemberstone’s plans for the storied photographic company remain to be seen, their comments suggest that the famous brand will continue to endure for the time being.