WHAT IT MEANS TO WALK ON AIR
Framed Original 3D Cyanotype
Inspiration:
|
Cecilia Payne Gaposchkin |
Year: | 2021 |
Materials: |
Cyanotype Sculpture, Handmade Paper, 24-carat Gold Leaf |
Dimensions: | 570mm x 570mm x 78mm (Framed) |
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
What It Means To Walk On Air was created by constructing a hand-cut collage of female photographic portraiture, photographs of spiral staircases, antique metronomes and telescopes with photograms of antique slides of interstellar clouds and star spectra with hand-printed surface textures from chemigrams.
After coating the handmade paper (Turkish Map Folded) 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 and then hand finished with 24-carat gold leaf. Once the leaf is cured the piece is then map folded and unfolded again to create the 3-dimensional sculptural cyanotype and fixed to 5 multiple folded layers of handmade paper and armature.
Dimensions
Unframed: 290mm x 300mm
Framed: 570mm x 570mm depth x 78mm depth
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.
Small |
Unframed |
Framed Art (XS, S) |
Framed Art (M, L, XL) |
|
UK | £2.95 | FREE | FREE | FREE |
US / Canada | $15.95 | FREE | FREE | FREE |
Europe | €11.95 | €19.95 | €19.95 | €39.95 |
Rest of World | £9.95 | £29.95 | £29.95 | £49.95 |
*Small Goods: Includes Postcards, Jewellery, Totes
Please note: Shipping charges are set in GBP£ and converted with the current live exchange rate. There may be occasions when there is a very small difference between the advertised cost and the actual shipping cost at checkout.
Estimated Delivery Times
UK | 3-5 Days |
US / Canada | 5-7 Days |
Europe | 5-7 Days |
Rest of World | 7-10 Days |
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
What It Means To Walk On Air was created by constructing a hand-cut collage of female photographic portraiture, photographs of spiral staircases, antique metronomes and telescopes with photograms of antique slides of interstellar clouds and star spectra with hand-printed surface textures from chemigrams.
After coating the handmade paper (Turkish Map Folded) 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 and then hand finished with 24-carat gold leaf. Once the leaf is cured the piece is then map folded and unfolded again to create the 3-dimensional sculptural cyanotype and fixed to 5 multiple folded layers of handmade paper and armature.
Dimensions
Unframed: 290mm x 300mm
Framed: 570mm x 570mm depth x 78mm depth
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.
Small |
Unframed |
Framed Art (XS, S) |
Framed Art (M, L, XL) |
|
UK | £2.95 | FREE | FREE | FREE |
US / Canada | $15.95 | FREE | FREE | FREE |
Europe | €11.95 | €19.95 | €19.95 | €39.95 |
Rest of World | £9.95 | £29.95 | £29.95 | £49.95 |
*Small Goods: Includes Postcards, Jewellery, Totes
Please note: Shipping charges are set in GBP£ and converted with the current live exchange rate. There may be occasions when there is a very small difference between the advertised cost and the actual shipping cost at checkout.
Estimated Delivery Times
UK | 3-5 Days |
US / Canada | 5-7 Days |
Europe | 5-7 Days |
Rest of World | 7-10 Days |
Returns
ARTWORK FACTS
An Original
Chloe McCarrick
Bespoke
Box Frame
Exposed
In Sunlight
Hand-finished with
Gold Leaf

IN THE FRAME
Each box frame is crafted on-site, assembled and artwork fitted by our London based framing team.Creating beautiful, bespoke hand-finished picture frames in a variety of woods, wide selection of profiles and high quality paint finishes to perfectly compliment the artwork.
All frames come with gallery spec, 3mm thick anti-reflective/ UV light blocking conservation glazing as standard, protecting from sun damage and guaranting reflection-free, enhanced clarity performance.