Join cyanotype artist Laurinda Bellew for an introduction to the historic process of cyanotype printmaking.

In this workshop you will follow in the footsteps of early Victorian photographic pioneers and learn the basics of cyanotype printing, invented by Sir John Herschel in the 1840’s. Laurinda will show you the techniques using pre-coated papers and/or fabric and you will explore and learn about different substrates.

Over the course of the day, you will experiment with traditional process and explore wet cyanotype process using bubbles, spices, salt, vinegar and water. You will learn about learn about flowers, leaves and objects suitable for printing, including Cirencester's iconic hare motif which will make an appearance in the form of handmade stencils. Laurinda will show you how to expose the coated papers under UV light and gain a basic understanding of exposure times as well as how to rinse and dry the print.

You will leave this workshop with an understanding of cyanotype printmaking. You will have your own unique hand printed blueprints and the skills and confidence to explore, and experiment independently at home.

Tutor: Laurinda Bellew
Date & Time: Saturday 1st November, 10am - 12:30pm
Venue: Brush Studio, New Brewery Arts
Price: £65 (£0.00 VAT)

Please note that this workshop is for those aged 18 and over.

You are welcome to bring a lidded bottle of water with you but we kindly ask that you do not bring food into the studio.

Refreshments are available at our on-site café Blend until 4pm.

For more information:
Visit our FAQ page

Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is suitable for beginners.

What you will need:
All material and equipment will be provided including safety equipment.

Please bring an apron or wear something you are happy to get messy in.

Accommodation: 
Residential option available. Find out about our accommodation, costs and how to book here.

Meet Your Tutor - laurinda bellew

Laurinda is a cyanotype artist working in both traditional and wet processes, as well as other alternative photographic methods such as lumen print. Working from her home studio in rural Wiltshire, UK, she finds inspiration in the English countryside and at the south coast.

Laurinda first discovered alternative photographic processes while studying for a master’s degree in history of art in 1995, and returned to the process in later years as a way of recording and preserving the beauty of her rural surroundings.

Cyanotype was invented in the 1840’s and became popular as a cheaper, camera-less, alternative to traditional photographic techniques. Laurinda follows the same process as the early Victorian pioneers; printing from local botanicals, or handmade negatives, exposing and developing the prints primarily using just sunshine and water.