Arndt & Troos developed this beautiful brown process in 1889. The process was mainly used for proofing in the studio, and due to its warm yellow/brown colour it was initially called the ‘Sepia Print’ process. Somewhere someone, presumably in the early 1900s in England, noticed that the unique brown colour of the process was reminiscent of the paintings of the Flemish artist Sir Anthony van Dyck (1599 – 1641).

The composition of the Van Dyke Brown emulsion is similar to the Cyanotype process, however, with the addition of silver nitrate, the unique brown colour is achieved. Although the silver content requires that the Van Dyke print needs to be thoroughly processed, fixed and washed, it opens up additional toning options. In this half-day workshop you will produce 2 photographic images on 2 different types of paper, Fabriano 50% cotton and Arches Platine. You will explore coating techniques, the different characteristics of these two papers, the hues they render, and tone your images in gold toner as well as a mysterious concoction of Cyanotype and darkroom Stop Bath. We produce a total of 4 photographic images during this workshop.

Although a basic knowledge of alternative printing will be to your advantage, the Van Dyke process is not difficult and all skill levels are welcome to enroll. Please send us 2 x A4 digital Black and White photographs a week prior to this workshop.

Duration: Half Day
Time: 8-30am to 1-00pm
Class Size: Max 8