Cystoseira granulata

A cyanotype of 'Cystoseira granulata' from 'Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions', made by Anna Atkins (1799-1871) in 1843.

'Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions' is a photographic book of different algae specimens, self-published by Anna Atkins (1799 - 1871) between 1843 - 1853.

Atkins was a keen botanist. A cyanotype is a camera-less photographic print, made by coating a sheet of paper with light sensitive iron salts. To make a print, an object is placed directly on the paper and exposed to light. The paper around the object turns a brilliant blue, whilest the object leaves a white impression on the page – creating an exact print. This method was perfect for botanical illustration, as an accurate impression of a plant could be made without damaging a specimen. Akins used her cyanotypes to make the first photographically illustrated book, though it was not published widely. Instead, Atkins chose to send her book to friends and learned societies.