Have you heard of the “Wellieflex” –a pinhole camera made from a rain boot? This exhibition delves into history of children as photographers, some using homemade cameras

A new exhibition titled Snap Happy! How Children Became Photographers opens in London, delving into the history of young photographers. Curated by Annebella Pollen, a university professor, the showcase explores how children have seen the world through a camera lens and formed communities around the craft. The exhibition presents previously unseen images, captured in various scenarios such as family life and outdoor play. It also highlights the transformation of photography from an elite pastime to a DIY hobby for children.

Among the exhibited cameras are homemade devices, like the "Wellieflex" pinhole camera. The invention of Terry Dennett, an activist and photographer, this pinhole camera utilized a Wellington boot as its body. Dennett's homemade camera models, as explained in a 1976 issue of the Camerawork magazine, consisted of a light-tight container, lens, and film holder, and were found to "work" effectively.

An influential aspect of the exhibition is the examination of competitive photography. The Junior Photographer of the Year competition, organized by the Photographic Information Council between 1958 and 1972, played a significant role in promoting the craft. This competition led to over 1,000 school darkrooms being established across the nation.

The exhibition runs from October 14, 2026, to February 21, 2027, at The Photographers’ Gallery in London. Admission costs £14 (about $18 or AU$26) on-the-door, with online booking available at a discounted £12 ($16 or AU$22). Visitors can find opening hours and concession prices on the gallery’s website.