Join Marion Sidebottom for a ‘Cyanotype Sun Printing Masterclass’ which will involve three days of cyanotype sun printing with plants. 

Discover a camera-less photography technique which was discovered by Sir John Herschel in 1842 and used by Anna Atkins to create detailed images of ferns and algae. Iron salts are mixed and turn blue when exposed to UV light.

This exciting process can be used to make photograms which can be adapted in a multitude of ways to create artistic images. You can create multiple exposures, different shades of blue and use masks and stencils make unique, one-of-a-kind prints. You will be taken through the process from start to finish and will have time to explore many different cyanotype techniques (including wet cyanotype), different papers and use both the sun and UV lights to create multi-layered images. 

About the tutor

Marion Sidebottom

Marion is an artist, photographer & workshop tutor and enjoys working in many different medias but most of them involving plants.  She is an Associate of the Royal Photographic Society and was Artist in Residence in Epping Forest supported by Arts Council Funding. She has won awards for her photography including an RHS Gold medal and 2nd place in a category of International Garden Photographer of the Year.
She teaches a wide range of workshops including cyanotype sun printing, photography, smartphone photography, plant pressing & oshibana, and printmaking. She has been teaching workshops for the Royal Horticultural Society since 2016.  Marion has exhibited her work in both group and solo exhibitions and takes part in the Burnham Art Trail in Essex most years.
She loves experimenting and combining different medias, and is never happier than when researching techniques, teaching or attending workshops herself!

About Flatford Mill

We have four buildings that are used for visitor accommodation. Whilst most rooms are either en-suite or have a dedicated bathroom, there are some
rooms in The Mill that share showers and toilets at the end of the hall. If this is
un-suitable for you please make the office staff aware upon booking or as soon as possible.
Please be aware that you are visiting a Field Centre that caters in the main for school parties; the accommodation is basic and dormitory style, but warm and comfortable.

Explore our range of botanical illustration courses and watercolour courses hosted by our engaging tutors and learn from their expertise and skills. Our art courses are a chance to meet like-minded people and to unwind from everyday life. They are a great opportunity to experience the UK’s glorious countryside surrounding our field centres.

Example Timetable

Check-in is between 1600-1800, if you are arriving after 1800 please advise us, so we can ensure you are advised of access codes, room key location, and room location.

You will meet the tutor at Dinner, and you will have your first session after Dinner.

What's Included

  • Expert Tuition
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Full Board Accommodation
  • Hot and Cold Drinks
  • Picnic Lunch

Full board accommodation and picnic lunch is available for resident bookings only.

Refreshments are included for all, but non-resident bookings are advised to bring lunch with you.

Before You Attend

What to bring

  • Apron or old clothes,
  • Plants (not too thick or bigger than A4), can be pressed or fresh.
  • Folder to take work home in.
  • Other items you may want to cyanotype

Opportunities to attend this course

  • Fri 08, August 2025 16:00 - Sun 10, August 2025 16:00

    Location
    Flatford Mill
    Price
    £225 - £320
    Tutor
    Marion Sidebottom
    Pay a deposit of £100.00 per item