Have an introduction to the basics of traditional cyanotype printmaking, an alternative photographic process from the 1840’s.

Join cyanotype artist, Laurinda Bellew from Blue Lumiere Art, to find out more about the process of cyanotype printmaking. Using various paper and fabrics, cyanotype solution, and sunshine, experiment and create your very own beautiful botanical images to take home.

In this workshop, you will learn the basics of both traditional and wet process cyanotype using local botanicals, objects and stencils. Over the course of the day, you will learn how to mix the light sensitive emulsion, explore different substrates suitable for printing, learn how to coat the paper, discuss suitable flowers, leaves, and objects for printing, explore wet process using bubbles, salt, vinegar, and turmeric, learn how to expose the paper using the power of the sun (UV lamps will be used as backup if the weather doesn’t behave), and learn how to develop and dry the print.

The emphasis is on experimenting and having fun with the process. You will leave with your own beautiful blueprints at the end of the session and with the confidence and skills to experiment further at home.

All materials and safety equipment will be provided, including latex free gloves, UVA and UVB safety goggles (for use with UV lamps if it is raining on the day) and aprons. Please wear old clothes and comfortable old shoes – aprons will be provided, but residue cyanotype sensitiser can be messy and will turn clothes blue!

You are encouraged to bring your own leaves, flowers and flat objects for printing. However, there will be plenty of plants and objects available on the day to print from and to inspire you.

Tutor: Laurinda Bellew
Date & Time: Saturday 7th March, 10am - 4pm
Venue: Brush Studio, New Brewery Arts
Price: £90.00 (£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 - residue cyanotype sensitiser can be messy and will turn clothes blue!

You are welcome to bring your own leaves, flowers and flat objects for printing. However, there will be plenty of plants and objects available on the day to print from and to inspire you.

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.