MYSTERY OF THE HEAVENS STUDY

Inspiration
This artwork was inspired by Scottish stargazer and Harvard Computer Williamina Fleming. During her career, Fleming pioneered in the classification of stellar spectra, cataloguing over 10,000 stars and other astronomical phenomena including her discovery of the Horsehead Nebula in 1888. 

Technique
Mystery Of The Heavens Study was created by constructing a hand-cut collage using female photographic portraiture, photograms from antique glass slides of interstellar clouds, and hand-printed surface textures of lunar craters. 

After coating the handmade paper with light-sensitive chemistry, it is left to dry in a dark room. The large scale negative is then contact printed onto the paper by exposing to daylight (UV rays). The print is then processed by thoroughly washing in water to remove any unexposed solution. It can then be hung to dry, developing to full density Prussian blue after 24 hours. Once the image is fixed it is hand finished with 24-carat gold leaf.

Dimensions
Unframed:  148mm diameter
Framed:      210mm diameter x 30mm frame depth x 12mm frame face

Paper
Handmade recycled cotton rag paper: 
150gsm / 100% Cotton Rag / Recycled / Acid Free / PH Neutral / Medium Rough

Mount
We use float mounting for all of our framed cyanotypes. The artwork floats above a snow-white mount board, showcasing the paper texture and deckled edging.

Framing
Framed artwork will arrive ready to hang.

Each frame is handmade by our London based design team. They prime and sand the wooden frame before spraying black or white soft-sheen paint to achieve the highest quality finish. All frames come with gallery spec, 3mm thick anti-reflective/ UV glazing as standard. 

If you would like a bespoke frame, please get in touch to discuss alternative colours, gilding and glazing options.