Creative enthusiasts and nature lovers, discover a magical combination of art and botanical beauty! On Sunday 26 July 2026, Itchen Valley Country Park (SO30 3HQ) hosts a hands-on Cyanotype Print Workshop. Running from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM in the Highwood Barn, this engaging session invites participants to learn the historic 19th-century camera-less photographic process and craft stunning Prussian blue prints using pressed leaves, ferns, and forageable park flora.
Workshop Schedule & Timings
The Cyanotype Print Workshop takes place on Sunday 26 July 2026 at Itchen Valley Country Park:
- 9:30 AM: Arrival and registration at Highwood Barn.
- 10:00 AM: Workshop begins with an introduction to cyanotype history and chemical mixing.
- 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM: Paper coating, arranging botanical specimens, UV light exposure, and water rinsing.
- 12:30 PM: Session finishes; take home your unique Prussian blue prints and mounted creations.
Workshop Highlights & What You’ll Learn
This immersive workshop provides step-by-step guidance suitable for complete beginners and art enthusiasts alike:
- Historic Technique: Discover how early botanists like Anna Atkins used sun printing to document plant life in the 1840s.
- Botanical Composition: Experiment with pressed flowers, feathers, stencils, and freshly gathered park foliage to create striking silhouettes.
- Full Process Mastery: Learn how to mix light-sensitive iron solutions, coat paper, expose prints using natural UV light, and fix images in water baths.
- Take-Home Art: Create multiple original A5/A4 prints, greeting cards, or framed artwork pieces to keep or gift.
Ticket Prices & Booking Information
Spaces are strictly limited to ensure individual guidance during the session:
- Ticket Price: £40.00 per person (includes all materials, light refreshments, parking, and take-home artwork).
- Advance Booking Required: Tickets must be booked in advance via the official Itchen Valley Country Park website.
- Age Recommendation: Suitable for adults and teenagers (ages 14+ recommended).
How to Get to Itchen Valley Country Park
Itchen Valley Country Park is located in West End, just on the northeastern outskirts of Southampton:
- By Car: Located just off Allington Lane near West End and Hedge End (use postcode SO30 3HQ for satnav). Easily accessed via Junction 7 on the M27 or A27.
- By Bus: Local bus services stop near Allington Lane and West End village, followed by a short walk down Allington Lane.
- By Train: Hedge End Railway Station and Eastleigh Railway Station are both within a 10-minute taxi ride from the park entrance.
Where to Park at Itchen Valley Country Park
The park features extensive pay-and-display parking close to Highwood Barn:
- Main Visitor Car Park: Located directly adjacent to Highwood Barn, Woodlands Café, and the main visitor centre.
- Parking Charges: Pay-and-display fees apply (pay by card, cash, or the RingGo parking app). Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) is in operation across park car parks.
- Disabled Parking: Designated accessible parking bays are positioned closest to Highwood Barn and café entrances.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Cyanotype Print Workshop taking place at Itchen Valley Country Park?
- The workshop takes place on Sunday 26 July 2026, running from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
- Who is running the workshop?
- The session is led by professional artist and printmaker Kate Watkins.
- How much does the workshop cost and what is included?
- Tickets cost £40.00 per person, which includes all tuition, materials, light refreshments, and car parking.
- Do I need prior printmaking experience?
- No experience is necessary! The process is easy to learn and suitable for complete beginners as well as those with previous artistic experience.
- What should I wear or bring with me?
- All materials, aprons, and gloves are provided. However, participants are advised to wear old clothes and bring sunglasses if sunny. You are also welcome to bring your own small selection of leaves, pressed flowers, or fabrics to test out.
- Where is Itchen Valley Country Park and where do I park?
- The park is located on Allington Lane, West End, Southampton (SO30 3HQ). Parking is included in the workshop ticket fee and is located in the main visitor car park near Highwood Barn.