Cyanotypes as a science

Cyanotypes are an alternative photographic process that rely on the chemical prosperities of two iron compounds – ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide.

Formulas of these two iron compounds of are mixed together to form a citrine coloured solution. The solution can then be painted onto a surface such as paper or cotton. Once the material is dry, things such as flowers and leaves are placed onto the material into the desired composition. After this, the material is left in the sun for up to 2 minutes to create a bleached outline of the shapes and objects placed on the material. Next, the material is dipped in water, and should be left to dry in a dark place so that the material doesn’t auto-expose.

The history of cyanotypes

The cyanotype was invented by Sir John Herschel in 1842. His first intention was to experiment with the effect of light on iron compounds. He discovered that the exposure to light turned a combination of ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide blue. This method was then used for printing copies of photographic negatives. Later on, photographic practitioners such as William Henry Fox Talbot, Anna Atkins and Henry Bosse took up the process.

Anna Atkins

Anna Atkins applied the process of cyanotypes, invented by Sir Herschel. She applied this process to algae, making cyanotype photograms, that were contact printed. She did this by placing uncounted, dried seaward directly onto the cyanotype paper. Anna self published her photograms in the first instalment ofPhotographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions in October 1843.  She planned to provide illustrations to William Harvey’s Manual of British Algae which had been published in 1841. Although privately published, with a limited number of copies, and with handwritten text, Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions is considered the first book illustrated with photographic images. Atkins kept the algae, ferns, and other plants she used in her work and in 1865, donated the collection to the British Museum. She died in 1871 of “paralysis, rheumatism, and exhaustion” at the age of 72.

The resurgence of cyanotypes

After cyanotypes mostly disappeared through both world wars, the 1950 and 60s saw a resurgence of amateur photography and fine art. The new discovery of these techniques respited in their development to scientific copies to more experimental examples. Eg: Robert Rauschenberg and Susan Weil’s collaborative cyanotypes.

In the modern era of photography, cyanotypes are produced more and more using mixed mediums, such as clothing, as well as large instillations.