Escape to the 19th century through Anna Atkins’ cyanotypes with our Sea Flowers design. Anna Atkins (1799–1871) was a botanist and photographer who came of age in Romantic-era England and is widely regarded as the first person to publish a book illustrated with photographic images.
Rather than a photography book as we might know it today, her work was a scientific publication showcasing hundreds of algae specimens using the unique and beautiful cyanotype process. The result is a series of strikingly ethereal forms set against deep Prussian blue backgrounds, as if the specimens are dancing through space while quietly conveying scientific knowledge.
Atkins went on to create thousands of plates documenting different species of algae. Approximately 411 plates were arranged and published in her book Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions, a two-volume work released in twelve parts over the course of a decade. The handwritten sample visible in the background comes from a limited-edition manuscript Atkins produced, complete with her own commentary on the cyanotype process.
This publication represents the first sustained application of photography to science and stands as a landmark in the histories of photography and publishing, as well as a stunning example of artistic expression. Notably, Atkins did not seek recognition for British Algae, and her full name does not appear anywhere in its pages.
We are delighted to collaborate once again with The New York Public Library to celebrate and preserve the legacy of Anna Atkins through this commemorative release for our Treasures of The New York Public Library collection.
Sea Flowers is available as a softcover journal, bookmark, canvas bag, and washi tape.
