The Art and Science of Cyanotypes

Discover the art and science of Cyanotype, a historic photographic printing technique, that combines chemistry, light, and creative exploration.

Through a balance of practical experimentation, you will explore how simple chemical reactions and sunlight produce the distinctive deep blue images characteristic of cyanotypes. Using objects, plants, photographic negatives and found materials, you will create a series of prints.

The course encourages curiosity and experimentation. By working between technical process and creative expression, you will discover how scientific principles can open new artistic possibilities. No prior experience is required, just a willingness to explore the relationship between light, chemistry, and image-making.

You will be taught in specialist art and design studios and through practical demonstrations, one-to-one tuition, group discussions and critiques.

This course will feature field trips to locations in or around Edinburgh (your teacher will confirm the itinerary in class).

Learners are responsible for purchasing their own materials. You may be required to bring some materials to your first, and subsequent classes. Learn more about the materials required for this course here.

Please do not purchase any materials until the course is confirmed to run. You will require access to a device with an internet connection.

Learning in this course is hands-on, and your skills will develop through practice, discovery, and engagement with materials and techniques.

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course you should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the cyanotype process, including the preparation of materials, exposure to light, and development of prints using the cyanotype technique  
• Create a series of experimental cyanotype prints, exploring composition, materials, and exposure to develop personal visual responses using this historic photographic method  
• Apply transferable skills such as observation, experimentation, problem-solving, and reflective practice that support creative enquiry and can be used across wider artistic or learning contexts.

Learners with an enthusiasm for creative exploration or have a natural appreciation for colour, texture and form may find this course particularly rewarding. A willingness to experiment and express ideas visually is encouraged.

Learners may take part in a short, local observational walk in the surrounding area to look closely at plants and natural forms in the local environment.

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be aged 16+.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s Accessible and Inclusive Learning Policy.

Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services who will signpost appropriate local sources of support.

This course welcomes those with a vivid imagination and enthusiasm for creative exploration. This hands-on course requires no formal background in art or design.

You will need to have reading, listening and communication skills, including the ability to understand detailed ideas and information presented verbally and in writing. You must be comfortable learning in English if it is not your first language. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.

Booking is available until 23:59 the day before the course is due to start, unless the course is full or cancelled.