Cyanotype is a creative, simple, and flexible photographic printing process that produces beautiful blue images. This technique, invented in 1842 by Sir John Herschel, is a cameraless photographic process that involves coating sensitised paper with chemicals that, when exposed to UV light, produce Prussian blueprints. Anna Atkins, a botanist and photographer, was among the first to use cyanotype for artistic and scientific purposes, creating stunning botanical prints and pioneering the use of photography in scientific documentation.

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Today millions of people worldwide use this process it’s an extremely accessible process to learn – everyone can make cyanotypes. This workshop is aimed at those who want to go beyond a short taster session and learn the basics of the process to start using the photographic process. Taught in a small group setting (maximum 8 people full-day class).

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About the Full Day Workshop

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This one-day workshop starts at 10am – until 4 pm delivered in a community space at the Old Print Works in Balsall Heath, Birmingham by photographer and photographic artist Tracey Thorne.

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Please arrive between 9.30 and 10am to settle in meet the participants and get a refreshment so we are ready to start at 10am.

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Morning 10am

• Learn about the history of cyanotype and its use today's short presentation

• What kits and tools are used and where to buy

• How to measure and mix the chemicals and coat the paper

• How to expose the paper with a negative and alternative subjects such as drawings, leaves, or objects

• How to develop, dry, and assess the finished print

 

Lunch at 12.30

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Afternoon 1pm

• The basic principles of how to prepare a photo for making a cyanotype negative 

• Self-practice to experiment with creating cyanotypes using objects, a method ideal for exploring the artistic possibilities of this unique cameraless process

• Group collaborative task to make cyanotype using photographic negative (submitted in advance by each participant)

• End of session reflection on the days learning and Q&A

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Session will end at 4pm.

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By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a hands-on understanding of cyanotype printing and leave with your own beautiful blue creations!

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There will be a discussion on using cyanotype creatively, and an introduction to some of the different techniques that are possible with the cyanotype process. We will ask for a photograph in advance which we will make into a negative ahead of time allowing you to print your own photographic cyanotype print. 

 

The tutor will demonstrate each stage and will be close by to offer any advice and support throughout the day. Most of the teaching and demonstration will take place in the morning, leaving you the afternoon to make work and experiment with the range of styles cyanotype printing allows and will leave with a handful of your own prints at the end of the session.

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Please note: we can take up to 8 on the course all materials will be provided. Lunch is not included but can be purchased nearby in the Mix Café or bring your own. There is no car parking onsite.

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Each participant will receive a PDF information sheet on the process and details of where to purchase materials. See some of my recommended products here if you want to get your own kit. 

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If you have any access needs please get in touch.

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