Cyanotype Printmaking

Join us for a fascinating day exploring the beautiful world of cyanotype printmaking, an accessible, darkroom-free photographic process that creates striking blue and white prints using daylight, water, and everyday objects. Throughout the workshop you’ll learn how to mix cyanotype chemicals, coat your own papers, and expose prints using both natural daylight and UV light. We’ll explore both traditional dry cyanotype techniques and more experimental wet processes, giving you plenty of opportunity to play, test, and discover unexpected results. You’ll experiment with a wide range of image-making techniques including botanical photograms using flowers and foliage, photographic negatives, drawing and mark making on acetate, and layering found materials to create unique compositions. Alongside learning the process itself, you’ll gain the confidence and knowledge to continue working with cyanotype at home without the need for specialist darkroom equipment.

By the end of the day, you’ll leave with a collection of original cyanotype prints ready to frame, collage, stitch into sketchbooks, or transform into handmade books and artworks of your own.

Originally developed in the 1840s, cyanotype is one of the earliest photographic printing processes and remains loved today for its rich Prussian blue tones and painterly, ethereal qualities. We’ll touch on the history of the process, look at contemporary artists working with cyanotype, and discuss the materials and equipment needed to continue experimenting independently.

All materials are provided, though you are very welcome to bring your own items to print with. White and pale coloured materials tend to work particularly well. If you fall in love with the process, our cyanotype kits will also be available to purchase in the gallery after the workshop.

All materials will be provided. Participants are also encouraged to bring their own objects with them on the day; fresh or dried plants and flowers or photographic negatives and images that can be traced. Katherine is on hand to advise on what objects will be suitable. You may wish to bring disposable gloves and to wear clothing you don’t mind getting any chemicals on.

• All tools and materials are provided for cyanotype printmaking on paper and textiles are included in the course cost. You are welcome to bring along any papers you’d like to try printing on, or found objects you’d like to use.
• Tea and coffee are provided but participants should bring their own lunch and utensils.
• All of our classes are suitable for over 16s, younger crafters may be accommodated if accompanied by a participating adult but please contact us before booking
• If the workshop you were looking at is fully booked drop us an email and we’ll add you to the waiting list. We will add extra dates to our most popular workshops too, join the mailing list to be the first to know
• All of our workshops are held in our accessible studio at Craft Central, High Street, Dunblane, FK15 0EE
• If you need to cancel or reschedule your workshop we need at least three weeks notice and an administration fee will be applied. Please read our cancellation policy before booking