What is a Cyanotype?

Cyanotype is a 180 year old photographic printing process.

It was first introduced in 1842 by astronomer, scientist and botanist John Herschel who invented it to reproduce his notes and drawings, AKA a blueprint.

The process involves combining two chemicals, Potassium Ferricyanide and Ferric Ammonium Citrate to make an iron salt solution. The solution is then brushed onto a porous material such as paper or fabric, making it UV sensitive.
Once dry, objects are arranged on top of the chemically-treated surface and then exposed to sunlight. UV light from the sun react with the chemicals, creating what is known as Prussian blue. The chemicals are then rinsed off with water, fixing the print so it is no longer light sensitive.