Join artists Daniel Regan and Camilla Ellingsen Webster in this practical cyanotype workshop that takes you from the history of the process through to coating your own papers and making your own unique images.

Cyanotypes are made using a photographic printing process, without a camera, that produces rich Prussian blue images. These images are made through the use of two chemicals: ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide. The process was created by Sir John Herschel, then later popularised by botanist and photographer Anna Atkins.

In this workshop you’ll begin by meeting the artists and other participants at a local park to individually collect plant matter, botanicals and natural elements as specimens for your first cyanotypes. You can bring your own items too (see below). We’ll then head back to the Arts & Health Hub HQ and roof terrace in Peckham where you’ll:

• Learn about the history of the cyanotype process, including key artists that have used this process with examples;

• Experiment with using pre-treated papers (provided by us) to create your first images;

• Learn how to mix chemicals and coat your own papers (chemicals and paper provided). Once dry, you’ll be able to use these in the session to make more images or take them home to experiment further.

What to Bring:

• All materials are provided, although you may want to bring an envelope or folder to take your work away in.

• Refreshments (tea, coffee, soft drinks) are provided.

• Feel free to bring objects to experiment with. Flat objects work best – the process highlights the outline of an object, which is why flat botanicals work well. Thin fabrics such as netting can create dreamy soft images. You can also use negatives from a roll of camera film. Feel free to experiment with all sorts!

About Daniel Regan

Daniel Regan is a photographic artist and Director of the Arts & Health Hub. His photographic works specialise in exploring complex and difficult emotional experiences, focusing on the transformational impact of arts on mental health, building on his own lived experience. Daniel explored cyanotypes, and other cameraless techniques in his personal project I’ll Be Seeing You about the death of his mother, Teena.

About Camilla Ellingsen Webster

Camilla Ellingsen Webster has spent her photographic arts career in a variety of roles, from managing projects in photography archives to coordinating exhibitions and teaching photographic methods. As well as pursuing her own practice, she is currently in the second year of a History of Photography master’s degree at The University of London, continuing her lifelong commitment to the study of photography and photographic artists.

You can find Camilla’s latest community project here and her personal work here.

Date & Time:
21st May, 1.30pm – 4pm