“Photography was Irene’s life and it’s unthinkable to imagine she is no longer here in our photographic world. A unique, kind-hearted Scottish lady, who endeared herself to so many, like a favourite Aunt, someone who left behind a phenomenal pictorial legacy, having put heart and soul into all she achieved.” – Leigh Preston
The warm and enduring relationship between Irene and PermaJet began in 1999, when PermaJet embarked on creating an elite group of highly respected lecturers who were passionate about printing to approach the photographic clubs in the UK.
Barry Thomas, who helped PermaJet on a stand at the ‘Focus on Imaging’ exhibition, recommended two names; and Irene Froy became our very first PermaJet lecturer. It was together with Barry and Irene that we formulated a process which soon added Bob Moore and Rod Wheelans. Within 12 months we had amassed twenty-two very capable members, hailed as “the best of the best”, which became the PermaJet Lecturers Group.
Known as the nurturing figure within the group, Irene took on the role of Mother Hen. While Bob and Rod shouldered much of the day-to-day and organisational work, Irene made everyone in the PAGB and RPS aware that the role for PermaJet was one to be revered – if only she knew how humbled we were to have her on our team. With Irene’s relentless efforts, delivering over 30 lectures annually alongside her devoted partner Gerry, PermaJet swiftly rose to prominence as the preferred paper brand within the Camera Club print community. This achievement stands as a testament to the remarkable contributions of a phenomenal woman, and one we at PermaJet will always hold very close to our hearts.
Thank you to Irene and Gerry, a wonderful partnership in the truest sense of the words.
