The inspiration for this gift idea developed a couple of weeks ago when I was scanning the library shelves and came across the book called The Bluest of Blues about Anna Atkins and her use of cyanotype photography. That is one of her images above.
If you’re still looking for a gift for a great kid in your life, we may have just the thing.
Anna Atkins & Cyanotypes
First a bit of background to set the scene. Anna Atkins grew up in the 18th century. Her mother had died not long after her birth and she was raised by her father.
Anna’s father was a scientist, and he provided her with a great scientific education which, as we’re all well aware, that was extremely unusual for a girl at that time. They continued to work closely together, and she even provided scientific illustrations for some of his work! She was interested in botany and had an extensive collection of dried plants.
When she was in her 40s, friends of hers were working on the development of different photographic processes. One of these happened to be cyanotypes. Cyanotypes use a combination of two chemicals that are light sensitive when combined and they produce prints that have a cyan-blue color.
Anna used the cyanotype process to make prints of her seaweed specimens. She published the compilation of these prints, and it’s the first published book that uses photographs for illustrations. How awesome is that?!
Cyanotypes DIY + Book Gift Ideas
And the Bluest of Blues is such a beautiful book that will inspire kids through its art, science, and history. The book listing says that it’s for 6-9 year olds, but I really think older kids would enjoy it too. Maybe up to 12? In any case, I included a second book on our list that is a collection of Anna’s prints called Anna Atkins Blue Prints. Unfortunately that book won’t be out until January 2022, but I think it’d be great for older kids and adults interested in cyanotypes, art, and history.
The awesome thing about Anna’s story is that cyanotypes are really easy to make. So easy, that they sell kits and supplies specifically for kids. And beyond that, they also sell the supplies for someone to make cyanotype prints on fabric (you can buy the chemicals and apply them to something like a shirt or you can buy pre-treated pieces of fabric).
The book + DIY kit makes for a great gift. Here are a few of our suggestions for the book + DIY cyanotype combo.