The glossy collodion chloride print was initially introduced in the 1860s but did not become popular for another thirty years. It remains the most archival silver-based printing process ever invented. Also known as the American Aristotype, collodion papers were popular from 1880 to 1920.
Process Historian Mark Osterman published the first modern directions on how to make collodion emulsions in the third edition of Steve Anchell’s Darkroom Cookbook. In this workshop, Historic Process Specialist Nick Brandreth and Mark Osterman will guide participants in mixing the emulsion, coating paper by hand, printing, and processing this amazing silver chloride emulsion.
Class discussions will include the evolution of the various collodion emulsions. We’ll also display and discuss vintage examples of collodion emulsion papers and dry collodion emulsion negatives from the George Eastman House collection. Each participant will receive a complete set of modern instructions written by Mark Osterman and facsimile articles on the evolution of the process.
Audience: Limited to eight, this three-day, hands-on workshop is suitable for students, fine art photographers, photography educators, and anyone interested in the evolution of photography. No experience necessary.
Tuition: $500/$475 members, plus $70 materials fee. Add an additional printing day for $150.
Cancellation Policy: Withdrawal from the workshop 30 days before the session start date will receive a refund, minus a $100 processing fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than 30 days before a workshop start date. If the workshop is cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, the entire class will be fully refunded. George Eastman House is not responsible for airline ticket cancellation costs or fees. Eastman House may take and use images, still or video, for educational and promotional purposes.
Location and Scheduling: Daily sessions begin at 9 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. Unless otherwise stated, the workshops are held at George Eastman House in Rochester, New York. Directions can be found here.
Lodging: Lodging is not included in the cost of the workshop. Participants must make their own arrangements. The host hotel for workshops held at George Eastman House is the East Avenue Inn & Suites, eastaveinn.com. This hotel is within walking distance of the museum. Room rates begin at $119 per night. The East Avenue Inn & Suites also provides transportation to and from the airport. Reservations can be made by calling (800) 559-8039. When calling to make a reservation, please mention you are taking a workshop at George Eastman House to get this special rate.