T40. Anthotypes. Historic Colour Plant Photographs with Victoria Ahrens

In this workshop, participants will explore anthotype printing as a sustainable photographic process based on natural pigments and sunlight. Images are created using emulsions extracted from flowers, leaves, or spices, offering an ecological and non toxic approach to image making.Participants will prepare their own emulsions, coat paper, and expose images using acetate positives or plant materials for photograms. Alongside the practical work, the session introduces the historical roots of early photographic processes and the idea of ephemerality versus fixing.The workshop also addresses ways to preserve the results, including keeping prints in the dark, sealing them with varnish, or scanning them. The aim is to connect ecological awareness with experimental photographic practice.

Outline

1. Introduction to anthotypes, sustainability, and process overview
2. Preparation and filtering of plant pigments
3. Coating and drying of paper
4. Setting up and exposing prints in sunlight
5. Review of results and discussion on preservation
6. Optional additional prints if time and weather allow