Chrysotype

Chrysotype is about photographic printing in gold on paper. This 19th-century printing process, modified for contemporary use, provides artists with an affordable way to produce permanent prints in gold. By using film or digital negatives, striking hand-coated prints can be created in monochromatic hues ranging from pink, violet, magenta and purple, to green, blue, grey and black.

Chrysotype offers a how-to guide for intermediate practitioners with illustrated examples and simple explanations for each stage of the chrysotype process. The book is divided into three sections: history; preparation and how-to; and the work of contemporary artists using chrysotype.

This book includes:

• A concise account of the invention and modification of the chrysotype process, including early discoveries about gold and colour and the significance of moisture for printing in gold
• How to set up your workspace for printing, including useful equipment and materials
• Advice on safe chemical practice
• A step-by-step guide to creating suitable digital and film negatives
• Guidance on paper selection and how to successfully coat paper
• An overview guide to creating a chrysotype print
• Step-by-step directions for creating the chrysotype solutions
• An explanation of mixing ratios and solution volumes that control contrast
• An illustrated explanation of the effect of humidity on colour, including split tone colours and ways to control humidity
• Step-by-step directions on post-exposure hydration to lengthen tonal range and lower contrast
• Step-by-step tray processing directions
• Advanced techniques such as handling translucent papers, additional chrysotype formulas and procedures, and alternative developing agents that support longer development, colour formation and remedy problems that affect image quality
• Troubleshooting chrysotype printing, including advice and photographic examples
• Illustrated profiles of contemporary artists making chrysotype prints, including their methods and tips

Chrysotype serves to inform, encourage and challenge a new generation of alternate process practitioners and a growing chrysotype community, from the newly curious to the experienced professional.