A Beginner's Workshop, in Penzance

This is a relaxed, hands-on cyanotype workshop designed specifically for complete beginners. Whatever your experience — whether you've never picked up a paintbrush or you're simply curious about a new craft — you'll leave with the skills and confidence to make your own cyanotype prints.

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What: A beginner's introduction to cyanotype printing, led by photographic artist Tracey Thorne
When: Saturday 1st August 2026, 11am until 2pm
Where: Oberi Gallery, 1 The Old Bike Shed, New Street, Penzance, Cornwall
Price: £40 per person, all materials and refreshments included

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What is Cyanotype?

Cyanotype is one of photography's oldest and most magical processes — and one of the most accessible. Invented in 1842 by the scientist Sir John Herschel, it uses nothing more than light-sensitive chemistry, sunlight, and your own creativity to produce rich, deep-blue prints known as "sun prints" or "blueprints."

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There's no camera involved. Instead, you simply lay objects — leaves, flowers, feathers, lace, anything with an interesting shape — directly onto specially coated paper, then expose it to sunlight. Where the light hits, the paper turns a deep Prussian blue. Where your object blocks the light, the paper stays pale, leaving a ghostly silhouette behind. Wash it in water, and the image is fixed forever.

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It's part science, part alchemy, and part art — and it's completely beginner-friendly. Anyone can do it, and the results are genuinely beautiful from your very first attempt.

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Why Learn With Me

This workshop takes place in the heart of Penzance, at the characterful Oberi Gallery in the Old Bike Shed on New Street — a wonderful, creative space in one of Cornwall's most inspiring towns. Spend your morning learning a centuries-old craft, surrounded by the light and landscape that has drawn artists to this part of the coast for generations. Afterwards, take some time to explore Penzance's harbour, galleries, and cafés — or simply enjoy the glow of your own handmade prints.

Led by photographic artist Tracey Thorne, this session is built around learning at your own pace. You don't need any photography or art background — just curiosity and a willingness to get a little bit blue-fingered.

 

What You'll Learn

• The basic principles of the cyanotype technique, from mixing to exposure to washing out your print

• How to choose and arrange botanical specimens and everyday objects to create striking compositions

• Tips and troubleshooting so you leave feeling genuinely confident to keep making cyanotypes at home

 

What's Included

All materials, chemistry, and paper are provided, along with refreshments to keep you going. You'll leave with a small collection of your own original prints — proof of a new skill learned, and a lovely keepsake from your day in Cornwall.

Ready to Make Your First Blueprint?

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Meet Your Tutor

Your workshop is led by Tracey Thorne, a photographic artist with a particular love of cyanotype and its unique, handmade character. Tracey has spent years exploring the process and teaching it to complete beginners, and brings a warm, patient approach to every session.

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Groups are kept deliberately small, so there's plenty of time for one-to-one conversation and guidance throughout the day. Whether you want detailed technical help or just a friendly chat about what you're creating, you'll never feel like just a face in the crowd — this is a genuinely supportive space to learn something new.

 

Book Online Now

Spaces are limited to keep the workshop small and personal, so early booking is recommended.

Full price, including all materials, is £40 per person. 

​​​​​​Questions? Get in touch — @traceyathorne or traceythorne.com

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The workshop will be held at Oberi Gallery, which is off New Street near The Exchange Gallery, off the main High Street

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