Gum Bichromate Workshops in Hackney, London /
Explore the painterly world of gum bichromate in a hands-on workshop at my Hackney studio in East London. These flexible one-, two-, or three-day workshops introduce a 19th-century photographic printing process that combines digital negatives, hand-coated paper, watercolour pigments, and layered printing.
Designed for artists and photographers, the workshops balance technical understanding with creative exploration, allowing you to work at a pace suited to this slow, material-led process.
What you’ll learn
Digital negatives (B&W, duotone, and tri-colour preparation)
Mixing gum emulsions (gum arabic, pigment, dichromate)
Hand-coating watercolour papers
UV contact printing
Water development — revealing images by hand
Multi-layer printing for depth and tonal variation
Designed for artists and photographers, the workshops balance technical understanding with creative exploration, allowing you to work at a pace suited to this slow, material-led process.
About the workshop
Gum bichromate is a complex, painterly process that rewards patience and experimentation. Rather than aiming for a finished print on the day, the workshop focuses on understanding the workflow, developing confidence, and learning how layered images evolve over time.
A one-day session offers a strong introduction and is ideal for learning the fundamentals or producing a duotone print. Two or three days allow for deeper experimentation, colour work, and the beginnings of a personal approach — though even extended sessions are the start of a longer relationship with the process.
Who it’s for
Fine-art photographers and mixed-media artists
Creatives curious about historical and alternative processes
Graduates or self-taught practitioners seeking tactile, screen-free image-making
Beginners are welcome — no prior darkroom experience is required.
Format & duration
Flexible duration: 1, 2, or 3 full days (mid-week or weekend)
Format: Hands-on small group workshop (max 5 participants)
Location: Hackney, London (E2)
Online option: Available via Zoom with a multi-camera setup
Why learn gum printing with Ian?
With over 35 years of fine-art photographic practice and BA/MA teaching experience, Ian combines historical craftsmanship with contemporary digital workflows.
His gum bichromate prints have been exhibited internationally and featured in publications including Studies in Photography, The Lancashire Times, and AlternativePhotography.com, and curated into exhibitions by artists such as Diana H. Bloomfield.
What artists and curators say
“Seriously amazing – both conceptually and in the printing.”
— Diana H. Bloomfield, Photographer & Curator“A masterclass in how artists are turning to a slow way of working.”
— Studies in Photography“Incredible print… to do it all in gum is mind-blowing.”
— Ya Ya Teahouse
Fees (at a glance)
One-to-One: £360 per day
Small Groups: £290 per participant per day
Deposit: £100 per participant to secure your place
Frequently asked questions
Can I really learn gum printing in a day?
You’ll learn the essential foundations in one day, but gum printing rewards patience and repetition. Most prints develop over multiple days, and even longer workshops are the beginning rather than the end of the process.
Do I need a darkroom?
No. Gum printing can be carried out in normal light conditions using UV exposure. Everything is covered during the workshop.
Can I print in colour?
Yes. Gum bichromate allows layered colour printing using different pigments, producing richly painterly results.
Full fees & terms
One-to-One Tuition
£360 per day
Save £50 on 2 days, or £100 on 3 days
Small Group Workshops (2–4 participants)
£280 per participant per day
Save £50 on 2 days, or £100 on 3 days (per participant)
Deposit
A £100 deposit secures your place; the balance is due 5 days before the workshop.
Cancellations
• 14+ days: full refund or reschedule
• 7–13 days: transferable, non-refundable
• Under 7 days: non-refundable unless you find a replacement
Materials
All materials and chemistry are provided.
Copyright
All images you create remain entirely you
Enquire & book
Spaces are limited to keep the workshop focused and hands-on.
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.