The Pannotype (1853-1880)

The pannotype is a little known photographic process that generates an image on a cloth surface.  This collodion silver photograph is unique in that it uses a black-waxed textile as its support.  Introduced in 1853 by Wulff and Co., the pannotype was created to act as a less fragile alternative to glass and paper supported photographs.  This process was used almost exclusively for portrait photographs.

To make a pannotype the photographer used the same procedure used to create an ambrotype.  The difference between the processes comes in the formula used to make the collodion.  The photographer is to use more alcohol when making the collodion for a pannotype than he would normally use for an ambrotype to make it less adherent to the glass plate.  This allowed the collodion to be easily transferred from the still wet glass surface to the black-waxed textile by pressing the glass and fabric together.  Like an ambrotype, the pannotype would typically be placed in a frame or case after being developed.

Many preferred Pannotypes because the textile support allowed the image to kept in a pocket, locket, or portfolio without the risk of damage.  This process was very popular with traveling photographers because it was inexpensive and once the image adhered to the support it would not easily rub off.

Notice the ring around the photo where the case was and the cracks in the collodion.

Preservation of pannotypes has proved to be a challenge.  They are very sensitive to light which has made it very rare for them to be found in good condition.  When they do make their way into archivists hands it is very common for the textile support to be brittle and for the collodion to be cracked.








Sources:

Lavedrine, Bertrand. Photographs of the Past: Process and Preservation Los Angeles: Getty
        Conservation Institute, 2009.

George Eastman House. “Pannotype - George Eastman House: Notes On Photographs.” Last modified June
        26, 2009. http://notesonphotographs.org/index.php?title=Pannotype.