Poppy, breadseed (Papaver somniferum) anthotype by Laurinda Bellew

“Summer’s Echo” by Laurinda Bellew, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
Parts used: Petals
Amount: Petals from two flower heads
Extracted by: Soaked in a closed jar for several days
Thinner: Tap water
Application: Brushing

Layers: 4, drying between each layer
Substrate: Hahnemühle Platinum Rag, 300 gsm
Created with: Photogram of poppy seedheads picked from my garden
Exposure: 3 days in August, summer 2025
UV strength: 7
Temperature: 30° Celsius or 86° Fahrenheit
Humidity: 80%
Contrast: ✿✿ (Medium)
Challenges or observations: On coating the paper, the emulsion was a very pale pink colour. The print remained pale pink throughout exposure but turned to an orangey pink hue by the final day. The heat was intense on this day, with high humidity, which could have been the reason. More experiments are needed to see if the pale pink colour is retained in less extreme conditions. The background didn’t fade but unexpectedly became a more intense colour during exposure.
Additional information: The Breadseed Poppy symbolises peace, mourning and sleep. The plant grows to 40” / 3 feet tall and is grown as an agricultural crop, providing seeds for food, tea and medicinal purposes.
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