THE GALACTIC NOVAE

Inspiration
This artwork was inspired by Cecilia Helena Payne-Gaposchkin, a pioneering astrophysicist and probably the most eminent women astronomers of all time. Payne’s discovery deriving true cosmic abundance of elements from stellar spectra profoundly changed what we know about the universe, and her work began a revolution in astrophysics.

Technique
The Galactic Novae was created by constructing a hand-cut collage using female photographic portraiture, photograms of antique glass slides of stars and surface textures of chemigrams. 

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.

Dimensions
Unframed:  300mm diameter
Framed:      385mm diameter x 30mm depth x 18mm face

Paper
Handmade recycled cotton rag paper: 
320gsm / 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.