This was a summer project led by Sarah Garrod with Three Rivers Bexley and local residents. Here is a gallery of some of the amazing work produced. Click on the images to see credits.

Wk1 : We collected plants from around the Belvedere Centre and arranged them on paper that Sarah had pre-coated with light-sensitive solution. We used the historic photographic process of “Cyanotype” printing which evolved in the 1800’s and uses sunlight during exposure.

Wk 2: At the peak of the heatwave we explored local woodlands on a photowalk. Participants brought a whole range of cameras, from DSLRs to smartphones. We witnessed the falling burnt leaves of the “faux autumn”, and felt how the huge mature trees kept us cool in the shade and gave protection to other plants and wildlife. We looked at techniques of getting light into shadows under harsh overhead sun. We discussed the contrast between the plants and the urban buildings. It was gruelling in the heat, but a magical day with time for a picnic in the shade.

Wk 3. We collected blackberries from a nearby hedgerow and ground them using a pestle & mortar to make photo emulsion. We also made emulsions from spinach, beetroot and spices. We used plants , tea and coffee to tone our cyanotypes from the previous session. This session utilised all the rainbow of colour at our fingertips in Nature, all free, non-toxic and sustainable. Work was finished in time for the first World Anthotype Day.

Behind the scenes