Atkins, Dixon Photographic Album

Acquisition of an album of cyanotypes of British and Foreign Ferns, made and assembled by Anna Atkins and Anne Dixon for presentation to 'CSA' (unknown), 1853. Anna Atkins (1799-1872) is best known for her pioneering role in using the cyanotype (blueprint) process for detailed botanical illustration. Her prolific work foreshadows later important developments in printing and communication. 'British Algae' of 1843 predates WH Fox Talbots commercially-published photographic books by several months. This collaboration with Anne Dixon, an amateur botanist and long-time friend of Atkins, resulted in this album which demonstrates exquisitely, the art and science of photography being applied to the educational and scientific needs of the 19th century.