Things to do · Arts and crafts
Make a cyanotype print
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A cyanotype is a sun print made from paper coated with light-sensitive iron salts, a leaf or object laid on top and sunlight, then rinsed in water to leave a white silhouette on deep blue. Anna Atkins used the method in 1843 for what the Natural History Museum calls the first book illustrated with photographs.
GentleUnder £100 / $130An afternoonIndoors or outAlone or with othersUK and US
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How it works
Paper is coated with a light-sensitive solution made from ferric salts and left to dry, then a specimen is laid on it and exposed to light. The Natural History Museum gives 10 to 40 minutes; a Truman State University chemistry handout says exposure in direct sunlight usually takes 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the strength of the sun and the time of day. Washing the print in water fixes the image.
Workshops go further than the basics. The RHS Garden Hyde Hall day covers mixing the chemicals, coating paper, UV exposure and washing out, plus multiple exposures, masking and wet cyanotypes using soap bubbles and vinegar. The Huntington's class prints on paper and cloth, including a mini tote bag.
Workshops compared
| Where | Format | Cost (as last listed) |
|---|---|---|
| RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex | Cyanotype Sun Print, one day (2026 run), 10 places; bring an A3 folder | £70 |
| Hampshire County Council (Hillier Gardens page) | Cyanotype Blueprint, one day (2026 run); lunch and all materials included | £90 |
| The Huntington | Two-hour session (2026 run); three prints on paper, fabric and a mini tote; all supplies included | $70 public, $60 members, $20 teens |
| University of Minnesota arboretum | Introduction to Cyanotypes, three and a half hours (2026 run); for ages 18 and over; supplies and admission included | $85 members, $105 non-members |
These ran in August and September; cyanotype needs sunlight or UV, so check the season when you book.
How to start
- Book a one-day or half-day cyanotype workshop at a garden, museum or arboretum; most supply the chemicals and paper.
- Collect flat leaves, flowers or small objects to print with, checking the venue's rules first; RHS Garden Hyde Hall asks for plant material in a sealed bag or container.
- Wear old clothes and take a folder to carry your prints home.
Where to go
- RHS Garden Hyde Hall: Cyanotype Sun Print workshop UK
- Hampshire County Council: Cyanotype Blueprint workshop UK
- The Huntington: Sun Prints and Cyanotypes workshop US
We opened these links on 13 November 2026 and found them to be what we say. Dates, places and prices are on the official page, where they stay up to date.
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Questions people ask
What is a cyanotype print?
A photographic print made by coating paper with iron salts, exposing it to light under an object or negative, and washing it in water, which leaves a white image on cyan blue. Sir John Herschel developed the method, according to the Natural History Museum.
Are cyanotype chemicals safe?
Take care with them. A Truman State University chemistry handout labels ferric ammonium citrate an irritant, says the mixed solution stains skin, and tells users to wear disposable gloves.
How long does a cyanotype take to expose?
In direct sunlight, usually 5 to 20 minutes according to Truman State University; the Natural History Museum gives 10 to 40 minutes. It depends on how strong the light is.
Can you make cyanotypes on fabric?
Yes. The Huntington's workshop prints on paper and cloth, and a Truman State University handout explains how to coat and dry fabric for printing.
Where this comes from: Natural History Museum, Anna Atkins's cyanotypes: the first book of photographs; Truman State University chemistry lab, Cyanotypes (PDF); RHS, Cyanotype Sun Print at RHS Garden Hyde Hall; Hampshire County Council, Cyanotype Blueprint; The Huntington, Printmaking Workshop: Sun Prints and Cyanotypes; University of Minnesota arboretum, Introduction to Cyanotypes Workshop. Opened 13 November 2026.
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