Toyobo (or photopolymer gravure) is an innovative new printmaking process that uses remarkable, water-washable photopolymer plates that are both fast and safe, producing results similar to the 19th-century process of photogravure.

To reproduce a small vintage photograph of your mother, grandmother, or pet, I start by rephotographing and resizing it. The new image is then transferred onto clear acetate and exposed onto a photographic plate in the darkroom. Once the exposure is decided, I make a final toyobo plate using water instead of chemicals and start the printing process—you choose the colour and I print on high-quality paper.

The process from start to finish is approx 2 weeks, for £300 you will receive:

• The acetates
• The final toyobo plate
• All the test prints and the final image - printed, dry and ready to frame.

This is a unique gift; you have commissioned an artist and printmaker to breathe life into a favourite picture that would otherwise be left in a drawer or an old photo album. Contact me today to talk about your needs. It will be a pleasure to talk to you!