No. 09The 1800s
Cyanotype photogramsAnna Atkins
1799 – 1871 · United Kingdom
Seaweed, sunlight and blue paper: a photo book before almost anyone.
All artistsCyanotype photograms
Cyanotype photogramsCystoseira ericoides, 1843–1853. Anna Atkins. Public domain · Source: Wikimedia Commons
Photography · Botany
Anna Atkins
1799 – 1871 · United Kingdom
A botanist who used the new cyanotype process to make images of algae by laying them directly on light-sensitive paper. She self-published the results in instalments.
Know more on Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)Fact file
- Born
- 1799
- Died
- 1871
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Era
- The 1800s
- Style
- Cyanotype photograms
- Disciplines
- Photography, Botany
- Key work
- Cystoseira ericoides (1843–1853)
- Medium
- Cyanotype photogram
Curiosity!
DocumentedShe signed the book only with her initials, 'A.A.', so her authorship was overlooked for years.
What we know (and what we don’t)
- It is believed
Photographs of British Algae was issued from 1843, and is often considered the first book illustrated with photographic images.
- Documented
She produced the images without a camera — they are photograms.
Where to see her
On view right now
No temporary show we know of right now. Try the live search below.
Museums that own her work
- Victoria and Albert MuseumLondon, UK(opens in a new tab)
- The Metropolitan Museum of ArtNew York, USA(opens in a new tab)
Owning isn’t always showing: works rotate, go into storage or travel on loan — check before you go.
Hunting for a show we missed?
Exhibition list last checked 25 Oct 2026.