PARC (Photography and the Archive Research Centre)

About us

The Photography and the Archive Research Centre (PARC) is a University of the Arts London research centre based at London College of Communication. The centre’s overall aim is to facilitate practise-based and scholarly research that develops an understanding of lens-based works. PARC endeavours to widen participation with archive collections. PARC seeks to expand upon dialogues surrounding decolonialism, climate change, conflict and trauma within the institution and beyond.

It supports photographic and archival research both at the University and within its wider networks. The Centre consists of members, research fellows, associates, PhD students and alumni who together produce significant outcomes that span the history and culture of photography.

PARC was founded in 2003 by Professor Val Williams and Julian Rodriguez, then Dean of Media at LCC. After 15 years as Director – which saw partnerships with the National Media Museum, Tate, Photoworks, Magnum Photos and many others Val Williams stepped down.

In 2018, Directorship of PARC was taken over by Brigitte Lardinois who specialises in photographic archives and has strong links to the world of photojournalism through a decade working as Cultural Director of Magnum Photos. In her tenure as director of PARC she has built strong links with the UAL’s Archives and Special Collections Centre and focused PARC outputs on social engaged research and practice.

PARC has an office, a gallery, a studio and a multipurpose work and meeting room. PhD students and alumni as well as our members are encouraged to use these spaces for active research.

Find us in room W224, the former London College of Printing science laboratory, at London College of Communication.