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May 31, 2025 - June 1, 2025
9:30 am - 4:30 pm
ABOUT GUM BICHROMATE
Gum Bichromate process allows colour printing from black & white contact negatives in numerous colours. Paper is coated with pigment, dichromate and gum Arabic, registered, exposed to ultraviolet light. Exposure to light hardens the gum Arabic proportionate to the varying density of the negative.The print is then placed in a bath of water to allow the soluble gum, excess dichromate, and pigment to wash away. Colour
layers are built up by repeating the coatings with careful registration
HISTORY OF GUM BICHROMATE
In 1839 Mungo Ponton discovered light sensitivity of dichromates. William Henry Fox Talbot later found that colloids such as gelatin and gum Arabic became insoluble in water after exposure to light. In 1858, John Pouncy used coloured pigment with gum Arabic to create the first colour images.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:
There is a high degree of artist control in these beautiful print making process.
During the workshop you will create a number of images. The following issues and many others will be covered:
- CMYK negatives for control of colour and contrast
- Alignment / registration of negatives
- Ways of coating the paper
- Different colour pigments that can be used
- How to build up and control colour during processing
- All materials provided – includes lunch
ABOUT ELLIE YOUNG:
In 2000 Ellie attained the National Gallery of Victoria Trustee Award 2000 for her work in Gum Bichromate printing. Since 1994 she has been practicing and studying the art craft and science of ‘alternative’ photographic print processes
CLASS MAXIMUM 2
All materials provided – includes lunch