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NB: Classes limited to 6

BROMOIL HISTORY
The birth of Bromoils occurred in Great Britain. It evolved from the oil printing process developed by G.H. Rawlings in 1904, who worked out the theory, but never applied it. The process was thus invented by Englishman, C. Welbourne Piper in 1907 from the suggestion by Rawlings.
This process flourished in the first half of the 20th century when pictorialism among photographers was in vogue. Today, there are a handful of bromoilists practicing this skilled craft. The Bromoil Circle of Great Britain formed in 1931 by Sam Weller, there are still several groups in the USA and Canada still loyal to the process. Gene Laughter, a master Bromoilist set up an International Society of Bromoilsts allowing members to communicate via the internet.

ABOUT BROMOIL
A Bromoil evolved from the traditional black & white photograph where the silver particles in the image are replaced by oil based printing inks. point is a This monochrome image is then treated chemically.  All the silver particles are removed (bleached) and the gelatin coating of the paper conditioned (tanned) to accept oil based inks.  Prior to inking the bleached and tanned print (called the matrix) is soaked in water.  A differential swelling of the gelatin takes place depending on the hardness of the gelatin.  The ink is then applied to the prepared matrix by brushes.  The ink will adhere to the hardest parts of the gelatin and repelled from the water saturated areas. With a variety of brush actions, all the tonalities found in the original photograph can be recreated and more. 

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:
The day will start with a display of prints with an introduction to the process.
This will be followed by a practical bromoil demonstration. This includes bleaching and tanning of a bromide print and inking a prepared bromoil matrix.
Participants will practice inking a number prepared matrixes on different papers.
The workshop includes availability of oils and tool, also the cleaning and clearing of the equipment.
Chris will provide ALL the necessary materials.

ABOUT CHRIS LIM:
Chris, a fine art photographer graduated 1997 from Photography Studies College with a Diploma of Illustrative Photography.  It was here she developed a specific interest in the alternative processes of photography. She excelled, wining awards from Polaroid Australia, PSC and AIPP and many other local photographic competitions. Since 1995 she has participated in many group shows and solo exhibitions, with images published in different photography magazines. By 1996 Chris Lim’s passion/obsession in the Bromoil process had developed, she continually researches and enjoys sharing her knowledge on this exciting, challenging and beautiful process.