Cyanotype

In September I visited Rievaulx Abbey in Yorkshire. A place where the ghosts co-exist with children running and playing amongst the ruined stones. Where the history is so deeply steeped pausing for just a few minutes knocks you into a liminal space, between eras.

Then I did a Photographic Processes course at the V&A with Almudena Romero, which covered techniques for cyanotype, anthotype, chemigrams, lumen prints, photograms and lens-less photography. We made all kinds of prints, including on wood and glass, but my favourite technique was cyanotype. There’s something about the quality of blue and monotone that gives the image an impact - simpler in detail, but very evocative. The brushstrokes from painting the chemistry onto the paper add a flourish to the finish.

Back home, I raided my archive for images - and Riveaulx Abbey turned up one of my favourites, I’ve made it several times since for birthday and Christmas gifts.