Gum Bichromate Workshops in Hackney, London /
These flexible one-, two-, or three-day workshops introduce you to 19th-century photographic printmaking — blending digital workflow with hand-coated paper, watercolour pigments, and layered techniques. Longer sessions allow for deeper experimentation and refinement.
With over 30 years of experience in fine-art and historic printing, I offer focused, artist-led tuition in a small group setting.
Explore the painterly world of gum bichromate in a hands-on workshop at my Hackney studio in East London.
What Artists and Curators Say About Ian’s Gum Prints
“Seriously amazing – this is wonderful, Ian. Both conceptually and the printing. Amazing feat, really.”
— Diana H. Bloomfield, Photographer & Curator, The Art of Gum Printing“For the last few days, I had the absolute pleasure of being mentored by @ipmclaren on the process of #gumbichromate. I am mighty pleased with the results and range of possible applications! "
— Radek Husak, Artist" Brilliant Work"
— Tom Hunter, Artist / Photographer“Incredible print, Ian… to do it all in gum is just mind-blowing.”
— Ya Ya Teahouse“What a huge undertaking! Impressive!”
— Andrew Sanderson, Ilford Master Printer“Anything between 48–64 impressions… speaks volumes about your dedication and meticulousness.”
— Debajan Das Gupta"Fractured Whispers, by Ian Phillips-McLaren is a masterclass in how artists are turning to a slow way of working. Ian pushes this to a remarkable degree."
— Studies in Photography (Journal)
“Perhaps the most dominant image of the whole exhibition is Ian Phillips-McLaren’s ‘Gwen’… the largest single piece in the exhibition.”
— The Lancashire Times
Why Learn Gum Printing with Ian
My gum bichromate prints have been exhibited internationally and curated into shows by artists such as Diana H. Bloomfield. With decades of experience in fine art photography and historical processes, I offer tuition that blends traditional methods with a contemporary, creative approach.
- Individual focus: Small group or one-to-one teaching tailored to your practice
- Process depth: From digital negatives to pigment layering and multi-step printing
- Recognised practice: Exhibited internationally, featured in Studies in Photography & Artist & Arists by AlternativePhotography.com
- Flexible learning: In-studio in Hackney or online via Zoom with a multi-camera setup
- Digital Negatives Prep
tri-colour, duo-tone, and B&W files (300 dpi, 10″ long side) - Emulsion Mixing
making your own gum arabic + pigment + dichromate mix - Hand-Coating Paper
applying emulsion to watercolour paper
- UV Exposure Techniques
contact printing with digital negatives - Water Development
revealing images by hand, layer by layer - Multi-Layer Printing
building up 4–6+ layers for subtle depth and tonal variation
Below: Various gum bichromate prints
Session Details
Flexible Duration
1, 2, or 3 full days — tailored to your needs (weekend or mid-week).
A one-day session offers a strong introduction and is ideal for learning the process or creating a duotone print. Tricolour printing requires a minimum of two days due to the drying and development time needed between layers.
Most participants find that a second day allows for greater confidence, experimentation, and creative exploration. A three-day session gives you the best chance to begin developing a personal approach. However, gum printing is a slow, layered process — and even across two or three days, the emphasis is on understanding and experimentation rather than producing a fully resolved final print. The workshop is designed to give you enough knowledge and confidence to continue exploring the process in your own time, without the pressure of perfection.
Can I really learn gum printing in a day?
Not entirely — but you’ll learn the essential foundations and leave with the knowledge you need to continue exploring at home. Gum printing rewards patience and practice. Most of my own prints take five days to complete, so even a two or three-day workshop is still just the beginning of what’s possible
- Format: Hands-on, small-group workshop (max 5 participants)
- Delivery: In-studio at Hackney, London (E2 7SH)
Dates: Starting July 2025 – exact weekends released on registration
Who Is This For?
- Fine-art photographers & mixed-media artists
- Anyone curious about alternative photographic processes
- Graduates or self-taught creatives seeking tactile, screen-free techniques
- Beginners welcome — no prior darkroom experience needed
Why Choose This Workshop?
With over 35 years’ practice and BA/MA teaching experience in photography and fine art, I combine historical craftsmanship with modern digital workflows. You’ll leave with practical knowledge, a deeper understanding of the gum process, and the confidence to keep developing your prints independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a gum printing workshop last?
A gum printing workshop usually runs for a full day. Multi-day sessions are available if you’d like to build complex multi-layer prints.
Do I need a darkroom?
No. Gum printing can be done in normal light conditions with UV exposure. We’ll cover everything you need in the studio.
Can I print in colour?
Yes. Gum bichromate printing allows you to build up layers in different pigments, creating painterly colour effects.
Booking & Terms
Workshop Fees (at a glance)
One-to-One: £360/day (save up to £100 on multi-day bookings)
Groups: £270 per participant/day (extra savings for 2–3 day bookings)
Deposit: £100 per participant to secure your place
Full Fee Structure
One-to-One Tuition
£360 per day
Save £50 on 2 days, or £100 on 3 days
Small Group Workshops
£280 per participant per day (for 2–4 participants)
Save £50 on 2 days, or £100 on 3 days (per participant)
Deposit
A £100 deposit per participant secures your place; the balance is due 5 days before the workshop.
- Cancellations:
- 14+ days: full refund/reschedule
- 7–13 days: transferable, non-refundable
- 7 days: non-refundable (unless you find a replacement)
- Materials: All provided
- Copyright: All images you create remain entirely yours
➤ View Full Terms & Conditions
Enquire & Register in the form below
Ready to dive into the blue? Spaces are limited.
Email: ian@ianphillipsmclaren.com
Workshop Enquiry Form
This gum bichromate workshop also appears under gum printing classes, courses, and one-to-one tuition — ideal for artists and photographers exploring alternative processes.