Summer of Cyanotypes

Supporting our socially engaged analogue photography work

01 March 2025

Thanks to the generous support of The Richard and Siobhán Coward Foundation along with match funding raised through our Crowdfunder campaign, we were proud to deliver an inspiring programme of cyanotype photography sessions throughout Summer and Autumn of 2024.

With £1000 grant from the foundation and  additional funding – we were able to deliver hands-on creative workshops for over 30 young people across Plymouth and beyond. From SEND groups to care leavers, public pop-up events to family workshops, the power of cyanotype printing brought people together to connect, create and explore.

Part of the project linked closely with environmental themes and the Planet Ocean exhibition at The Box, celebrating Plymouth’s National Marine Park status and giving participants the chance to make meaningful art while reflecting on our relationship with the natural world. Cyanotype, a camera-less photography process using sunlight and natural materials, offered an inclusive, mindful and tactile route into creativity.

Our sessions included:

  • A Planet Ocean-themed workshop for Care Leavers Week

  • Public cyanotype printing outside Plymouth Arts Cinema

  • Beach-themed activities with our Unlocked Youth group

  • A workshop with a SEND group at City College Plymouth

  • A large-scale collaborative cyanotype piece made during Bideford Photo Month

The feedback was inspiring. Many participants expressed how calming and enjoyable they found the process revealing the creative wellbeing benefits of analogue photography. These outcomes have helped shape our growing Wellbeing Workshops programme, now a core part of our offer – something we just took to a family learning workshop session at Delamore Arts Festival!

Bring Cyanotype Magic to Your Event, School Workshop or Community Group

Our team at Fotonow CIC now offers fully facilitated Cyanotype Days for schools, organisations, and community groups. Whether you want to explore environmental art, support creative wellbeing, or collaborate on a giant cyanotype mural – our artists can design a bespoke experience for your setting. Cyanotype is more than a photography method – it’s a beautiful, slow and sensory-rich activity with proven benefits for mental health and creativity.

Get in touch to commission an unforgettable cyanotype experience and join us in celebrating the joy of making, together; info@fotonow.org

 

NEWS