The Cyanotype Process was invented by Sir John Herschel in 1842. Also known as the blueprint process, this is where the term "blue-prints" comes from! It became popular early on as a means to document the world, whether it be documenting plants or using photo negatives to cast an image onto UV-sensitive material.

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Engraved Portrait of a Young Woman, Sir John Herschel, c. 1842

We mix two chemicals: ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide. Once we have mixed the chemicals together, we then hand-paint the chemicals onto each product. After a few hours of drying in a dark room, the chemicals are now UV-light sensitive and ready to be exposed. We carefully place a photo negative or other items onto the chemically treated surface to be exposed. After 3-9 minutes the product is rinsed, dried, and rinsed again. Now it is ready for you to take home!

The name Adiantum was inspired by early photographer and botanist, Anna Atkins. Atkins used the cyanotype method to capture the botany of England. One of the plants she often documented was an Adiantum, which is the scientific name for the Maidenhair Fern.

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Adiantum Cuneatum, Anna Atkins, c. 1853