Alternative Photography
CYANOTYPE
History
Traditional cyanotype
The cyanotype process, also known as the blueprint process, was first introduced by John Herschel in 1842. Sir John was an astronomer, trying to find a way of copying his notes. Herschel managed to fix pictures using hyposulphite of soda as early as 1839. In the early days the paper was coated with iron salts and then used in contact printing. The paper was then washed in water and resulted in a white image on a deep blue background. (Apart from the cyanotype process, Herschel also gave us the words photography, negative, positive and snapshot.)
One of the first people to put the cyanotype process to use was Anna Atkins a botanist, she was a pioneering figure in photographic history, having produced the first book to use photographic illustrations. The book was called “British Algae: Cyanotype impressions”.
Wet cyanotype
The wet process is a variation on the traditional cyanotype method which has captured the imagination of many artists working in cyanotype. I create wet cyanotype on dry pre-prepared sheets of photosensitised paper ordirectly into the wet chemicals as they are applied to you chosen paper. Introducing wet elements to the print as it develops, corrupts the process leaving interesting marks and colourations. I add sea salt, turmeric, paprika, coffee grounds, vinegar, lemon juice, washing up liquid bubbles etc. Then cover with glass and clamp to hold in place. I then expose to sunlight for anything from 1 hour to days depending on the suns strength and time of year.
History
Traditional cyanotype
The cyanotype process, also known as the blueprint process, was first introduced by John Herschel in 1842. Sir John was an astronomer, trying to find a way of copying his notes. Herschel managed to fix pictures using hyposulphite of soda as early as 1839. In the early days the paper was coated with iron salts and then used in contact printing. The paper was then washed in water and resulted in a white image on a deep blue background. (Apart from the cyanotype process, Herschel also gave us the words photography, negative, positive and snapshot.)
One of the first people to put the cyanotype process to use was Anna Atkins a botanist, she was a pioneering figure in photographic history, having produced the first book to use photographic illustrations. The book was called “British Algae: Cyanotype impressions”.
Wet cyanotype
The wet process is a variation on the traditional cyanotype method which has captured the imagination of many artists working in cyanotype. I create wet cyanotype on dry pre-prepared sheets of photosensitised paper ordirectly into the wet chemicals as they are applied to you chosen paper. Introducing wet elements to the print as it develops, corrupts the process leaving interesting marks and colourations. I add sea salt, turmeric, paprika, coffee grounds, vinegar, lemon juice, washing up liquid bubbles etc. Then cover with glass and clamp to hold in place. I then expose to sunlight for anything from 1 hour to days depending on the suns strength and time of year.
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Return to: Gallery