T13. Introduction to Mordançage: Black and White Prints with Ella Morton

In this workshop, participants will explore the fundamentals of mordançage, an experimental darkroom technique developed by Jean Pierre Sudre, rooted in nineteenth century bleach etching processes. Working with pre made silver gelatin prints, they will learn how mordançage chemistry can create veils, textures, and emulsion lifts that transform the physical surface of the photograph.The session introduces the chemical components of the mordançage solution, along with the bleaching and redeveloping stages, and different methods of emulsion manipulation. The focus is on understanding how chemical reactions shape the visual and material qualities of the image.Through hands on experimentation, participants will become familiar with the nuances and unpredictability of the process, gaining confidence in directing the results. Each participant will complete at least three finished prints, with the aim of developing control within an inherently experimental technique.

Outline

1. Introduction to mordançage, including historical context, print and negative examples, and shooting and printing recommendations
2. Demonstration of mordançage chemistry, including solution composition, bleaching, redeveloping, and process questions
3. Practical work session applying mordançage chemistry to silver gelatin prints
4. Clean up and final review of results

Participants must bring:

• Black and white silver gelatin prints that you would like to manipulate.. Any paper type is fine, but do not bring prints larger than 8 × 10 inches. (Prints with large shadow areas of pure black work best.. White borders are preferable over full bleed images.) Bring as many prints as possible. Multiples of the same image are encouraged.
• Prints should ideally be developed with a non hardening fixer.
• If your prints do not meet these specifications, bring them anyway and we will try to work with them.
• Do not bring precious or irreplaceable prints, as they will be permanently altered.