Exploring Cyanotype in Depth

Explore lots of different techniques for using the alternative photographic process of cyanotype to create your own unique ‘blueprints’.

Create delicate blue floral designs or use 3D objects to create ghostly images. Experiment with wet cyanotypes or try toning your prints to alter the colour.

All materials are provided, but you can bring your own plants and objects to create images with if you’d like to.

In this six-hour workshop we will cover:

- The basic process

- Wet cyanotype

- Double exposures

- Toning

- Using photo negatives

The process of making a cyanotype involves using paper (or other surface) coated in UV light sensitive chemicals and exposing them to sunlight or an artificial UV light source, then washing with water to create blue and white images. An image or pattern can be created on the paper by placing photo negatives, pressed or fresh plants, and other 2D or 3D objects directly onto the surface while being exposed to light.

You’ll create multiple prints using a range of techniques and by the end of the day you will feel confident to try making more cyanotypes at home.

Tutor Emily will start the day with a brief introductory talk, including a little history and a step-by-step demonstration of the cyanotype process, with accompanying printed instructions.

You’ll then get hands on using precoated paper to get you started quickly… When paper is coated with the chemical solution it needs time to dry before use so you will be able to go through this part of the process once you’ve had a chance to try with the precoated paper.

You can keep the process simple or add complexity to the image-making depending on how adventurous you feel!

We’ll provide paper, chemicals, clip frames, water trays, pressed flowers, photo negatives and other objects to use, as well as a lightbox for exposing. If it’s a sunny day, you may even be able to go outside to try some exposures in the sunlight.

Tutor Emily Withers is a fine art graduate, currently working as a part-time, self-employed artist delivering lots of workshops like this one and private classes across the Midlands. She is a keen photographer and printmaker, and more recently has discovered foraging and learning about the uses of plants. She exhibits her work in galleries and sells at craft fairs throughout the year, and has also worked here at the Attenborough Arts Centre as a gallery assistant.