KS2 explored the fascinating work of early photographic pioneer Anna Atkins. Inspired by her beautiful botanical images, we stepped back in time to experiment with one of the earliest forms of photography: cyanotype printing.
Taking full advantage of the spring sunshine, we carefully selected a variety of fresh flowers and leaves, thinking closely about their shapes, sizes and patterns. Before we began, the children made thoughtful predictions about what might happen when the sunlight hit the special cyanotype paper. Would thicker petals block more light? Would delicate leaves create more detailed patterns? There was lots of curiosity and discussion as we planned our designs!
We then arranged our natural materials onto the light-sensitive paper and placed them in direct sunlight. As we watched, the magic began to happen, the paper slowly transformed from a vibrant blue to a pale greyish colour. The children observed this process closely, noting how the areas covered by the flowers remained lighter, while the exposed sections reacted to the sunlight.
After rinsing the paper in water, the final prints were revealed: stunning white silhouettes of the plants set against rich blue backgrounds. The children were amazed to see how their predictions compared with the results, sparking conversations about light, shadow and early photographic techniques.
This hands-on experience not only brought science and art together beautifully, but also gave the children a real appreciation for how inventors like Anna Atkins used creativity and experimentation to capture the world around them. It was a joyful, engaging activity that truly brought our topic to life!
