Sir John Herschel invented the cyanotype in 1842. The process depends on the

photochemical reduction of ferric salts into ferrous salts leading to the formation of Prussian blue, an iron-based pigment. The process was used sporadically throughout the 19th century and more frequently in the twentieth century for the reproduction of architectural plans and technical drawings, called “blueprints."

Brady joins Rupert Baker of The Royal Society to look at the world's first ever photo book - published by botanist and photographer Anna Atkins in 1843.

Anna Atkins was an English botanist and photographer. She is often considered the first person to publish a book illustrated with photographic images.^[2][3][4] Some sources say that she was the first woman to create a photograph.

Informational video of cyanotype process filmed during a workshop taught by artist Linda Clark Johnson.

Her work is cyanotype-based. Cyanotype is an alternative photographic process developed in 1842. Prints are characterized by a deep shade of Prussian blue. I print with foraged natural plant materials outdoors in the sun.

In my experimental "altered cyanotype" pieces I’m pushing the limits of the traditional process and altering the colors by drastically changing exposure times, adding extra chemicals and heat, and using eco-printing techniques.

After printing I change my pieces further with mixed media – watercolor, graphite, acrylic, colored pencil, ink, or collage – to achieve the desired effects.

There’s an element of mystery and chance with each new piece, and the process of creating these works fascinates me as much as the product! I joyfully experiment with new materials, work through logistical challenges, and come up with my own techniques.

• STEP 1 - LECTURE

• STEP 2 - MIX Cyanotype A and B Solutions. group

• STEP 3 - PREPARE, COAT, and TEST. group

• STEP 4 - EXPOSE Cyanotype. individual

• STEP 5 - WASH cyanotype in running water. individual

• STEP 6 - DRY cyanotype overnight. individual

• STEP 7 - PRESS cyanotype in Dry-mount press. individual

• STEP 8 - SUBMIT completed cyanotypes. individual

• LEADER (Responsible making sure each group member does their role correctly, takes notes and creates lab write up at end of the process).

• PAPER TECHNICIAN (Prepares paper for test and for each group member).

• CHEMICAL TECHNICIAN (Mixes Cyanotype A and B solutions).