Similar to the argyrotype process, but dating back even further, cyanotypes are made by coating paper with a UV-sensitive solution. Images can be created either by placing objects directly onto the paper’s surface or by using a traditional photographic or digitally produced negative.
As the paper is coated by hand, every print is inherently unique; no two are ever exactly the same. Cyanotypes can also be toned using green tea, or produced as ‘wet’ cyanotypes, where dyes and other modifiers are introduced to the chemicals before they dry. The result is a highly individual process that produces images with an organic, unpredictable quality—making each final print truly one of a kind.
Because of the unique nature of the process, producing identical prints is impossible, especially when using the 'wet' process. Prints are therefore editions of one and catalogued as and when they become available, meaning you get an utterly unique print.
You can see my current stock of cyanotypes in the Shop.
