ANNA ATKINS’ ALGAE

Cyanotyping was discovered by English scientist Sir John Herschel. He discovered if you mixed equal quantities of ammonium iron (III), citrate and potassium ferricyanide it created a photosensitive solution. Although he considered it a way of reproducing notes and diagrams (what became known as blueprints), family friend and keen botanist Anna Atkins used the process to create a series of books documenting her collection of seaweed. Because of this she’s often referred to as the first female photographer.