Cyanotype (After Anna Atkins)

Anna Atkins (1799-1871) was born on this day 216 years ago. She is credited with being the first female photographer to publish a photographic book although what she published would hardly be recognisable today as such. Her publication consisted of Cyanotypes of British flora. Cyanotypes were the original blueprints which of course became the staple of every engineering drawing office.
Take one sheet of sensitised paper plus a sheet of glass. Insert a leaf, a fern, a flower or anything else which will squash flat in between the two and leave out in the sunlight for 20 minutes or so. Remove the sheet and "develop" it by simply washing in running water and lo and behold you have your Cyanotype.
Today you may have noticed an example of her work used as the Google Doodle for the day. My blip today is one of my own Cyanotypes. They are great fun to do and a real connection to the origins of our art form.

Finally, with all this doom and gloom doing the rounds about the imminent collapse of Blipfoto and just in case it does in fact turn turtle on us, I just want you all to know that I have thoroughly enjoyed your company. Should any of you ever wish to contact me, and I hope you do, you can always find me on e.mail : joeptully@eircom.net.
Let's hope it doesn't come to that though.