Polaroid Emulsion Lift Workshop with Micheal Gannon

What to Expect

Custom House Studios runs a one-day workshop in Polaroid emulsion lift with Micheal Gannon on Saturday 5 September, from 11am to 4pm. Emulsion lift is an analogue darkroom-adjacent process: the thin image layer is separated from the Polaroid backing in a water bath and then floated onto another surface, usually watercolour paper or glass. The image stretches, folds and creases as it moves, so no two lifts come out the same and the finished piece looks nothing like a straight print.

It is a hands-on day rather than a demonstration, and it suits anyone with an interest in photography who wants to work with their hands and accept a bit of unpredictability. The workshop takes place in the Custom House Studios building on Westport Quay, which houses seven artist studios, two galleries and a printmaking workshop, so there is usually an exhibition open to see on the same visit. Booking is essential and places are limited by the practical nature of the process. Contact the studios directly to book and to confirm the fee and what you need to bring. The same programme also runs a Tetra Pack workshop with Susie Quinn on Saturday 10 October.

Good to Know

• Saturday 5 September 2026, 11am to 4pm
• Custom House Studios + Gallery, The Quay, Westport
• Tutor: Micheal Gannon
• Booking is essential - email info@customhouse.ie or phone 098 28735
• Fee is not published online, so confirm when booking
• Gallery hours on the day: weekends 1pm to 4.30pm
• Next workshop in the series: Tetra Pack with Susie Quinn, Saturday 10 October 2026

Getting There

Custom House Studios sits on The Quay in Westport, roughly 2km west of the Octagon along the R335 towards Louisburgh. Walking or cycling out from the town takes about 25 minutes, and the Great Western Greenway runs close by if you are coming from Newport or Mulranny. Drivers reach Westport on the N5 from Castlebar and Dublin or the N59 from Newport, Achill and Clifden. Irish Rail runs Dublin Heuston to Westport trains via Manulla Junction. Bus Eireann and Local Link serve the town, with a local bus down to the Quay, and there is public parking along the Quay.