In April 2024 we welcomed artist and researcher Jo Gane for a workshop which explored early photographic techniques including the three major photographic processes in use prior to 1860 – the daguerreotype, calotype and wet plate collodion. Jo discussed these processes from the perspective of a contemporary maker who works with these materials. The workshop began with a handling session which allowed participants to understand early photographic silver based materials and how the same silver ingredient can appear dramatically differently in the three processes across the substrates of paper, tin, glass and silver.
Following this, the light sensitivity of silver was practically explored with participants able to make images on modern silver gelatin paper. The day closed with a wet plate collodion demonstration, from the preparation of the plate to the varnishing stages.
