Introduction to Cyanotype Printing

Introduction to Cyanotype Printing

Join Pam to make your own striking blue and white cyanotype prints based on the traditional Victorian method – with a contemporary twist.

The technique is an intriguing mix of art and science, whereby two different chemical salts are dissolved in water, then mixed as required. The solution is light sensitive and used to coat watercolour paper. Ferns, for example, are placed on top and the print is exposed to UV (sunlight). The ‘masked’ areas turn white, while the rest goes Prussian blue before your eyes.

The session includes an introduction to basic materials and techniques, a demonstration of the process, and step-by-step assistance through the various stages, including coating the paper, composition, exposure, rinsing and drying – plus some historical context and fascinating facts along the way for good measure. There’ll be plenty of pressed and dried botanicals, plus feathers and flowers, available for you to use. Feel free to bring your own! We’ll be using 15 x 15cm sheets of watercolour paper along with A5 sheets (14.85 x 21cm), so smaller specimens would work better.

Sunlight is the ideal way to develop the prints, but there’ll also be UV lamps on hand at the workshop in case of inclement weather.

Spend the session trying out various techniques, including having some fun with ‘wet’ cyanotypes, then choose your favourite print to place in a stylish white box frame with mount. Pam will offer tips on how to finish this off at home, once the print is dry.

Wear some old clothes (dark denim is ideal!) or bring an apron.

You will go home with several prints, which will probably still be damp. We’ll lay them between old newspapers, so please bring along a large format book to keep them flat and safe for the journey home. They will dry overnight.

This session is ideal for beginners: You will learn how to:

- mix the chemicals

-  coat the paper

-  design a composition and create different effects

-  time the exposure

-  rinse and dry the final cyanotype

All materials will be provided as well as refreshments and cake!

We reserve the right to cancel workshops at short notice should the minimum required attendees not be reached. Purchased tickets will be transferred to alternate events or refunded should a suitable alternative event not be found.

Customer cancellation Policy. 50% refundable up to 14 days prior to the event. No refund within 13 days unless we can refill the space, there will also be a £7 reduced refund due to the transaction costs involved.

Please can we ask, if you are able, that you park in the large car park at the rear of the courtyard to keep this area free. You will be able to bring your car round at the end of the workshop if required. Many thanks for your cooperation in this matter.