Public Masterclass: Botanically-toned Photography (Afternoon)

Learn how to mix, coat, expose and develop your own cyanotype prints in this hands-on masterclass with artist and curator Melanie King.

Chop, brew and boil a palette of natural toners to alter your images using everyday botanicals, revealing subtle colour shifts and surprising hues within your prints. You’ll leave this masterclass with a deeper understanding of the hidden toning potential of plants, and a collection of uniquely toned photograms.

Participants are also invited to bring their own flat objects (such as ribbons or pressed plants) to use during the workshop.

Dr Melanie King is an artist, curator and researcher interested in the intimate relationship between the natural world, photography and materiality. She lectures in Photography at Canterbury Christ Church University and is the founder of the London Alternative Photography Collective, as well as co-director of super/collider and Lumen Studios.

Images courtesy of Melanie King.

Important information about our ballot system for this event:

We are using a randomised ballot system for this event.

Our ballot will go live on Monday 28th September at 05:00. To be in with a chance of joining us, select as many masterclasses as you are interested in attending and submit your entry before Sunday 11th October at 23:59. Please note: it makes no difference when you submit your entry; entering early does not increase your chances of securing a space. All places will be offered at random.

If successful, you will be emailed a link to book a space on one masterclass from Monday 12th October 2026. Successful applicants will have 24 hours to book their slot; however, if you do not book within 24 hours, your place will be offered to someone else. Even if you have selected multiple masterclasses on your submission, you will only be able to book one masterclass. This masterclass will be pre-chosen for you at random from your selection. 

If you are interested in attending our research talk and/or Materials Library tour, this will not affect your chances of gaining a slot on a masterclass, and will not count towards your one masterclass booking.

Once all tickets are fully booked by the ballot winners, we will notify everyone who signed up and offer them the opportunity to join our waiting list for last-minute dropouts.

This masterclass is suitable for ages 12+. Any person under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult who will not take part in the Masterclass.

Everyone at UCL is welcome in our spaces. We strive to make all of our processes accessible, including attending our events and workshops, and using our website and booking systems. Please message us if you have any questions or requirements, or need assistance using our platforms. We'll be happy to help.

We're always interested in feedback to help us improve access to our activities. Please contact events@instituteofmaking.org.uk if you'd like to chat.