Anna Atkins: Botanical Sun Prints

Back by popular demand, Women in History!

In March, we celebrated Women's Week by looking at famous women who have been historical game changers. Each day highlighted a woman, her accomplishments, her whereabouts on the world map and an activity to coincide. When we were very lucky, we found a biography picture book or short novel.

This week, we're taking a look at 'Plant Ladies'; women who have studied botany and/or biology.

We kicked off our studies with Anna Atkins, who was considered the first female photographer.She studied sciences with her father and became an accomplished illustrator. When her father asked her to provide detailed sketches of over 200 specimen in his biology text, she quickly discovered photography; particularly cyanotype. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozxuEhYQq1I

We substituted traditional cyanotype for Nature Print paper, which is basically light sensitive paper that produces beautiful prints courtesy of the sun.

First, we selected specimen with fine details either around the edges or as a whole.

Then we pressed the specimen onto a clear acrylic sheet. We placed the Nature Print paper and secured with pieces of tape.

We set our prints outdoors, specimen side up  and despite the fact that it was overcast, the prints appeared within seconds.

When you remove your speciman, you must rinse your light sensitive paper in water to halt the printing process. The result is a beautiful blue print, similar to the traditional cyanotype.

 

I absolutely love picture book biographies. They give a solid glimpse into lives of people in history and are often accompanied by loads of facts and fantastic pictures.

We read Bluest of Blues, by Fiona Water.