The growth of PSS

1976 National Photo Exhibition. Social Affairs Minister Hj Othman Wok with exhibition chairman Lim Hoe Teck, Loo Teck Hai, Mrs Othman Wok, Tan Lip Seng and David Tay In recognition of its expanding role as a promoter of photographic activities, PSS was given the task in 1957 of organising the prestigious annual International Photographic Exhibition (later known as Singapore International Salon of Photography, or SIP) by the Singapore Art Society. One year later, PSS held its first biennial Foto Fair in conjunction with SIP, which today is known as the Singapore International Photography Awards (SIPA) since 2006.

With membership steadily increasing, PSS felt that the club’s location at Pheng Gek Avenue was not central enough for most of its members. So in the late 1950s, thanks to the generous support of Cathay Organisation chairman Dato Loke Wan Tho, PSS moved to 4 Cashin Street, an annex block next to Odeon Cinema (near the present MacDonalds outlet facing Bras Basah Complex).

1978 Singapore International Salon. Second Deputy Prime Minister S Rajaratnam with from left David Tay (PSS honorary secretary), salon adviser Cheang Sin Hung, Ho Cheong Yeon (vice-president), Ang Chwee Chai (president) and salon chairman Tan Tee Yoke. The relocation was not to last very long. In 1984, urban redevelopment necessitated the move to another premises. The new home at 6 Lorong 7 Geylang was the first property PSS purchased. It cost $550,000, much of it coming from members’ contributions, including significant amounts donated by PSS Honorary Patron Lady Yuen-Peng McNeice PBM (sister of Dato Loke Wan Tho), the Cheng-Kim Loke (mother of Dato Loke) Foundation, Goh Tjoei Kok JP, BBM, Tan Kim Cheow, Lim Boon Seng and Lau Tiau Siong.

The property was eventually sold in 2003, as members had found it inconvenient to attend PSS’ evening classes there. With proceeds from the sale and donations from generous benefactors such as Lady McNeice, PSS acquired 50 Amoy Street for $1.3 million. The shophouse is presently leased out and the rental helps to service the bank loan.
1984 Purchase of Geylang property. PSS now operates from Selegie Arts Centre at 30 Selegie Road, which was allocated to PSS in 1994 under the National Arts Council’s art housing scheme. With its central location, easily accessible by bus or MRT, the many different photography courses conducted by PSS are well attended. The present home of PSS also houses the Loke Wan Tho Gallery, and is equipped with classrooms, a studio, darkrooms, and a digital lab.