Cyanotypes

Cyanotypes

The cyanotype was invented in the mid-19th century, but came to prominence a bit time later and remained popular up until 1920. Cyanotypes can be easily identified by their blue tint. This blue color, called Prussian blue, develops from the mixture of chemicals placed on a photosensitive surface, upon which is placed the object to be photographed, covered with a sheet of glass, and is then exposed to light. Once the paper is exposed, it is washed in water; everything but the iron residue, or Prussian blue, is washed away, bringing out the image with its identifiable blue tint (http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artObjectDetails?artobj=71365). Cyanotypes are most often seen on paper, but can be put onto a number of different materials, like fabric and wood.

Sir John Herschel developed the cyanotype process in 1842; he meant the cyanotype to be used mainly as a means of reproducing notes and diagrams.  Anna Atkins can be credited with bringing the cyanotype to prominence as a form of photography with the publishing of her book, British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions in 1843; this was the first photographically-illustrated book to be published (Ware 2004).

      

Anna Atkins; and Anne Dixon
British, London, 1853
Cyanotypes
10 x 7 7/8 in.
84.XO.227.45

J. Paul Getty Museum

While most well-known for use in botanical photography by people like Anna Atkins, cyanotypes were primarily taken by amateur photographers between 1880 and 1920, which lends a note of interest to their subjects and compositions. This was an inexpensive way for amateur photographers to perfect their art, and the subjects of cyanotypes from this time period are varied, though many depict daily human life (http://www.consortiumlibrary.org/blogs/archives/2010/08/23/photos-in-the-archives-cyanotypes/). 

Native Alaskan couple

Archives at the UAA/APU Consortium Library

The cyanotype process was very popular with engineers, as it could be used to reproduce large-scale copies of their works, otherwise known as blueprints. The blueprint process never changed from its inception in 1842, and was only made obsolete when recently replaced with the widespread use of photocopiers.

Cyanotypes have very interesting preservation and conservation needs. It is not recommended to place cyanotypes on or near traditional acid-free museum stock, as the paper can cause degradation of Prussian blue, which does not like alkaline environments. Fading cyanotypes can actually be restored to almost full color by allowing them to sit in a dark space. The Connecticut State Library says that a " faded cyanotype might be restored if put back in a dark, airy, well-humidified environment for 5 days and then move it to a dark, airy, drier environment" (http://www.cslib.org/PresTakingCare.htm).

And in case you're interested, here's a link to a video showing how to make a cyanotype! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9q8N_KgH8SI

http://www.consortiumlibrary.org/blogs/archives/2010/08/23/photos-in-the-archives-cyanotypes/

http://www.cslib.org/PresTakingCare.htm

http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artObjectDetails?artobj=71365

Ware, Mike. Ag+ Photographic. Vol 7, pp 74-81. 1995, Revised 2004.

Magee, Spike. "Cyanotype history- John Herschel's Invention." http://www.alternativephotography.com/wp/history  

        /cyanotype-history-john-herschels-invention. Accessed 18 October 2012.